Do you say me either or me neither? You’re not alone. These expressions confuse many English learners and even native speakers because both are often used to agree with a negative statement.
Although they look and sound similar, they serve completely different purposes.
The confusion happens because me neither is traditionally considered grammatically correct, while me either is widely used in informal English and has become common in everyday conversation.
This guide will explain the difference between me either and me neither, provide real-world examples, highlight common mistakes, and give you easy tricks to remember when to use each expression.
Quick Answer
Me neither is the traditional and grammatically standard way to agree with a negative statement.
Me either is an informal expression commonly used in conversational English, especially in American English.
Examples:
Person A: I don’t like coffee.
Person B: Me neither.
Person A: I can’t swim.
Person B: Me either.
Both expressions are widely understood, but me neither is generally preferred in formal writing.
What Does Me Neither Mean?
Me neither is an expression used to agree with someone who has made a negative statement.
Definition
Me neither means:
- Neither do I.
- I also do not.
- The same negative statement applies to me.
Usage Rules
Use me neither when:
- Agreeing with a negative sentence
- Writing formally
- Speaking in standard English
Examples of Me Neither
- I don’t watch horror movies. — Me neither.
- I can’t drive. — Me neither.
- I haven’t seen that film. — Me neither.
- I don’t understand the question. — Me neither.
Key Insight
Me neither is essentially a shortened form of:
- Neither do I.
- Neither can I.
- Neither have I.
What Does Me Either Mean?
Me either is an informal expression that also agrees with a negative statement.
Definition
Me either means:
- I don’t either.
- I also do not.
- The same negative statement applies to me.
Usage Rules
Use me either when:
- Speaking casually
- Using conversational English
- Communicating informally with friends or family
Examples of Me Either
- I don’t eat spicy food. — Me either.
- I can’t stay late. — Me either.
- I haven’t been there before. — Me either.
- I don’t remember his name. — Me either.
Key Insight
Although me either is extremely common in spoken English, it is generally considered less formal than me neither.
Me Either vs Me Neither: Key Differences
Although both expressions agree with negative statements, they differ in formality and traditional grammar.
Quick Differences
- Me neither is traditionally and grammatically preferred.
- Me either is informal and conversational.
- Both express agreement with a negative statement.
- Both are widely understood in modern English.
| Feature | Me Either | Me Neither |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | I don’t either | Neither do I |
| Formality | Informal | Standard and formal |
| Usage | Casual conversation | Writing and speech |
| Acceptability | Common in everyday speech | Traditionally preferred |
| Example | I don’t like tea. — Me either. | I don’t like tea. — Me neither. |
Real-World Usage Examples
Example 1
Friend: I don’t eat mushrooms.
You: Me neither.
🎯 Lesson: This is the traditional and grammatically preferred response.
Example 2
Friend: I can’t ski.
You: Me either.
🎯 Lesson: This is common in informal American English.
Example 3
Friend: I haven’t finished the book.
You: Me neither.
🎯 Lesson: The phrase means “Neither have I.”
Example 4
Friend: I don’t know the answer.
You: Me either.
🎯 Lesson: Casual conversations often use me either naturally.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using These Expressions After Positive Statements
Incorrect:
- I love pizza. — Me neither.
Correct:
- I love pizza. — Me too.
Why it happens: Both expressions only agree with negative statements.
Mistake 2: Thinking Me Either Is Always Wrong
Incorrect assumption:
- Me either is never acceptable.
Correct:
- Me either is widely accepted in informal speech.
Why it happens: Some grammar rules focus only on traditional usage.
Mistake 3: Using Me Either in Formal Writing
Less Formal:
- I don’t enjoy public speaking. — Me either.
More Formal:
- I don’t enjoy public speaking. — Me neither.
Why it happens: People often write exactly as they speak.
Memory Tricks
Trick 1
Neither naturally matches negative ideas.
Think:
Negative statement → Me neither.
Trick 2
Remember:
Me neither = Neither do I.
If you can replace it with Neither do I, it works perfectly.
Trick 3
For formal writing, simply remember:
Negative statement = Me neither.
Expert Insights
Traditionally, English grammar preferred me neither because it is an abbreviated form of structures like:
- Neither do I.
- Neither can I.
- Neither have I.
However, modern spoken English—particularly in the United States—has popularized me either. Linguists generally consider it a natural feature of conversational language rather than a grammatical error.
Today:
- Me neither remains the preferred form in formal and edited writing.
- Me either is extremely common in everyday speech and informal communication.
Understanding the difference allows you to choose the expression that best fits your audience and context.
FAQs
What is the difference between me either and me neither?
Both agree with negative statements, but me neither is traditionally preferred, while me either is more informal.
Is me either grammatically correct?
Yes. It is widely accepted in informal speech, especially in American English, although me neither is generally preferred in formal writing.
Is me neither more formal?
Yes. Me neither is considered the standard and more formal expression.
Do me either and me neither mean the same thing?
Yes. Both essentially mean I don’t either or Neither do I.
Can I say me either in formal writing?
It is better to use me neither in formal, academic, and professional writing.
How can I remember the difference between me either and me neither?
Conclusion
The difference between me either and me neither is mainly one of formKnowing this distinction will make your English sound both natural and grammatically appropriate.Both expressions agree with negative statements.