To Badly or Too Badly: Here's What I Found
My Quick Answer
If you mean "very much" or "excessively", the correct phrase is always Too Badly.
To Badly is almost always a spelling mistake.
The Main Difference I Found
I discovered that the confusion comes down to the word Too vs To.Too is an adverb that means "also" or "excessively". When modified by "badly", it describes the degree of badness.
My "OOO" Memory Trick
Remember that Too has too many O's! It means Excess or Overly.
When I Use "Too Badly"
I found that "Too Badly" typically comes up in two main contexts: severity and desire.
1. Severity (Negative)
When something isn't "excessively" damaged or hurt.
"Luckily, the car wasn't damaged too badly."
2. Strong Desire
When you want something "very much".
"He wants that promotion too badly; it's making him stressed."
Is "To Badly" Ever Correct?
Technically, yes, but I found it is very transparently different. You would only see it if "to" is part of an infinitive verb that is being split by the adverb "badly".
Example: "He decided to badly paint the wall just to annoy me."
In this sentence, "to" belongs to "paint" (to paint). Inserting "badly" in the middle creates a split infinitive. It's not a set phrase like "too badly".
My Comparison Summary
| Phrase | Meaning | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Too Badly | Excessively, Very Much | Correct for 99% of uses. |
| To Badly | (Preposition + Adverb) | Incorrect spelling for "excessively". |
Explore More Grammar Guides
If you found this analysis helpful, check out my other simple guides:
- 👉 To Bad or Too Bad?
Similar rule! Learn why "Too Bad" is correct.
- 👉 Puting or Putting?
Master the spelling of this common verb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it to badly or too badly?
In 99% of cases, it is 'too badly' (e.g., 'I wasn't hurt too badly'). 'Too' acts as an intensifier meaning 'excessively'. 'To badly' is rarely correct unless part of a split infinitive like 'to badly damage'.
What does too badly mean?
It means 'excessively badly', 'very badly', or 'to a great degree'. For example, 'He wants to win too badly' means his desire is excessive.
When is to badly used?
'To badly' is only used when 'to' is a preposition or part of an infinitive verb, and 'badly' describes the verb. E.g., 'They resolved not to badly treat the prisoners' (split infinitive). This is rare and often awkward.