Definition

Adverb: Used to emphasize that something is true or exists to a very great or excessive degree. It often expresses that a situation is more extreme than one would like or is regrettable.

Usage

The phrase "only too" is used to intensify an adjective or adverb that follows it. It conveys a strong sense of "very" or "extremely," frequently with an implication that the degree is unfortunate, excessive, or beyond what is ideal.

Examples

• I am only too aware of the problems we face. (I am and perhaps uncomfortably aware of them.)
• He was only too happy to help. (He was happy to help, often implying eagerness.)
• The results were only too predictable. (The results were predictable, and this predictability was disappointing.)
• She knew only too well what would happen next. (She knew well from unfortunate experience.)

Advanced Usage

• "Only too" vs. "Very": While "very" is neutral, "only too" often carries a connotation of regret, excess, or rueful acknowledgment. Compare: "She is very willing to help" (neutral) vs. "She is only too willing to help" (emphasizes eagerness, possibly implying she may not consider the consequences).
• It is commonly used with adjectives like , , , , , , , , and adverbs like .

Variants and Related Words

• All too: A near-identical synonym, often used interchangeably with "only too" (e.g., ).
• But too: An older or more literary variant with the same meaning.
• Only: When used alone as an adverb, it means "solely" or "exclusively," which is a different meaning.

Synonyms

• All too
• Very
• Extremely
• Exceedingly
• Terribly (informal)

Related Phrases

• Only too true: A common collocation used to strongly agree with a negative or regrettable statement.
  • "He said the system is unfair." "That's only too true."

Adverb

1. to a high degree
   • she is all too ready to accept the job