Have you ever been caught in a conversation, unsure how to apply me neither and me either? When agreeing with a negative statement, “me neither” is the correct variation. But there’s more to learn about these phrases and when to use them. Read on to discover how to navigate the pseudo-awkward waters of agreeing with negative and positive statements and their correct usage.
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Negative Statements
Negative statements express the absence or opposite of something. We typically add “not” (and other negative words) after the auxiliary or helping verb to form a negative phrase. For example:
- I am not going to work today.
- She doesn’t like spice in her food.
- My mom wasn’t happy with my test results.
Understanding negative statements is crucial for knowing when to use “me neither” correctly.
How to Agree to a Negative Statement?
When someone makes a negative statement, and you want to agree, “me neither” is your go-to phrase. It’s a concise way to say, “The same negative statement applies to me.” Here are some grammatically correct ways to agree with a negative statement:
- Me neither
- Neither am I
- Neither do I
- I’m not either
Let’s look at an example conversation:
Trent: “I don’t like iOS devices.”
Sarah: “Me neither! I prefer Android.”
In this case, Sarah uses “me neither” to agree with Trent’s negative statement about not enjoying horror films.
Affirmative Statements
Affirmative statements, unlike negative ones, express something positive or confirm something; they have a positive sense. They don’t use “not” or other negating words. For example:
- I am going to the party.
- She likes a mix of sweet and savory.
- My dad was happy with my test results.
Knowing the difference between affirmative and negative statements helps you choose the right agreeing phrase.
How to Agree to a Positive Statement
When agreeing with a positive statement, you have several options:
- Me too
- So am I
- I am, too
- Me either (in informal situations)
Here’s an example conversation:
Jennifer: “I love eating pizza!”
Kyle: “Me too! I love pizza with a passion!”
In this case, Kyle uses “me too” to agree with Jennifer’s positive statement about loving ocean swimming.
Me Neither and Me Either: Which One Should You Use?
Let’s address the main question: should you use me neither or me either? The short answer is that “me neither” is correct for agreeing with negative statements, while “me either” is best reserved for informal situations or informal usage.
However, it’s worth noting that “me either” is often used colloquially, whereas “me neither” is correct, especially in American English. Google Trends data shows that “me either” is searched more frequently than “me neither” in the United States, suggesting its widespread use in everyday language.
That said, in formal writing or speech, it’s best to stick with “me neither” for agreeing with negative statements and “me too” for positive ones.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot of confusion between me neither and me either (even native English speakers have a hard time!) If you’re still unsure and afraid of grammatical errors, remember that there are always alternatives. You can say “same here,” “likewise,” or even repeat the statement with, “I don’t” or “I’m not.” The key is remembering the grammar rules for answering positive or negative statements. With practice, you’ll master the art of agreement, whether it’s “me neither,” “me too,” or any other appropriate phrase.
