English grammar error-spotting (‘‘too many’’ vs ‘‘so many’’: semantics of ‘‘too’’ meaning excess): Identify the single erroneous segment; select ‘‘No error’’ only if the sentence is fully correct: ‘‘I have read / too many books / by R. K. Narayan. / No error.’

Concept/Approach‘‘Too many’’ expresses an undesirable excess. Unless the speaker intends a negative evaluation (complaint), neutral/positive counting should use ‘‘so many’’ or simply ‘‘many’’. Exam keys usually flag ‘‘too many’’ in such neutral contexts.

Correction‘‘I have read so many books by R. K. Narayan.’’ (or ‘‘I have read many books …’’)

VerificationIf the intended meaning was indeed negative (more than desirable), then ‘‘too many’’ would be fine; however, such intent is not indicated.

Common pitfalls

• Using ‘‘too’’ when the context is not negative.

Final Answertoo many books