Have you ever heard someone say “me either” and wondered if it was grammatically correct? Or maybe you’ve seen “me neither” and thought both phrases meant the same thing.
This confusion is very common because both expressions are often used to agree with a negative statement—but only one is traditionally considered grammatically standard.
Understanding me either vs me neither can help you sound more natural and confident in English conversations. In this guide, we’ll explain the meaning of each phrase, show when to use them, highlight common mistakes, and clarify whether one is more correct than the other. By the end, you’ll know exactly which phrase fits best in both casual and formal English.
Quick Answer: Me Either vs Me Neither
- Me neither is the traditionally correct phrase used to agree with a negative statement.
- Me either is common in spoken English, especially in American English, but is considered informal.
- In formal writing, me neither is the safer and more grammatically accepted choice.
What Does “Me Neither” Mean?
“Me neither” is used to agree with a negative statement. It means “neither do I” or “I also do not.”
Examples of “Me Neither”:
- “I don’t like coffee.”
“Me neither.” - “I haven’t seen that movie.”
“Me neither.” - “I can’t swim.”
“Me neither.”
In each case, the speaker is agreeing with something negative.
Why It Works:
“Neither” naturally carries a negative meaning, so it fits correctly after a negative sentence.
What Does “Me Either” Mean?
“Me either” is often used informally to agree with a negative statement, just like “me neither.”
Examples of “Me Either”:
- “I don’t want to go.”
“Me either.” - “I haven’t finished yet.”
“Me either.”
Although many native speakers use this phrase in everyday conversation, it is considered informal and less grammatically precise.
Me Either vs Me Neither: The Core Difference
The main difference lies in formality and grammatical correctness.
| Phrase | Meaning | Grammar Status | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Me Neither | I also do not | Grammatically standard | Formal and informal use |
| Me Either | I also do not | Informal spoken usage | Casual conversation only |
Both phrases are understood, but “me neither” is the standard form.
Why “Me Neither” Is Grammatically Correct
The word “neither” means “not one or the other”, making it naturally negative.
For example:
- “I don’t eat meat.”
- “Me neither.”
This is short for:
- “Neither do I.”
That’s why “me neither” aligns correctly with negative statements.
Why People Say “Me Either”
People often say “me either” because it mirrors positive agreement phrases like:
- “I like pizza.” → “Me too.”
- “I don’t like pizza.” → “Me either.”
This pattern feels natural in spoken language, especially in American English, even if it is not formally correct.
That’s why “me either” has become common in casual speech.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some frequent mistakes learners make:
1. Using “Me Either” in Formal Writing
- ❌ Incorrect in formal writing: “I don’t agree.” “Me either.”
- ✅ Better: “I don’t agree.” “Me neither.”
2. Using “Me Neither” After Positive Statements
- ❌ “I love chocolate.” “Me neither.”
- ✅ “I love chocolate.” “Me too.”
Remember:
- Use “me too” after positive statements
- Use “me neither” after negative statements
3. Mixing Formal and Informal Tone
Using “me either” in professional writing can make your English seem less polished.
Me Either vs Me Neither in Everyday Conversation
In real-life speech, both phrases are common, especially in informal conversations.
Casual Examples:
- “I’m not hungry.”
“Me either.” - “I don’t watch that show.”
“Me neither.”
Most native speakers understand both immediately.
However:
- “Me neither” sounds more standard
- “Me either” sounds more conversational
American vs British English Usage
This is where the difference becomes more noticeable.
In American English:
- “Me either” is very common in casual speech
- “Me neither” is also acceptable and more correct
In British English:
- “Me neither” is preferred
- “Me either” is less common
So while Americans may casually say “me either,” “me neither” remains the standard in both dialects.
Better Alternatives to Use
Instead of “me either” or “me neither,” you can use fuller expressions:
Formal Alternatives:
- Neither do I
- Nor do I
- I don’t either
Examples:
- “I can’t drive.”
“Neither do I.” - “I don’t like onions.”
“Nor do I.”
These sound more polished and are excellent for formal writing.
Real-Life Usage Examples
Informal:
- “I’m not ready yet.”
“Me either.”
Standard:
- “I’m not ready yet.”
“Me neither.”
Formal:
- “I’m not ready yet.”
“Neither am I.”
Each version works, but the tone changes depending on the phrase.
Which One Should You Use?
If you want to be safe in all situations:
- Use “me neither” in standard English
- Use “me either” only in casual speech
This gives you flexibility while keeping your grammar accurate.
FAQs About Me Either vs Me Neither
1. Is “me either” grammatically correct?
It is widely used in casual speech but is not considered grammatically standard.
2. Is “me neither” correct?
Yes, “me neither” is the standard and grammatically accepted phrase.
3. Can I use “me either” in writing?
It’s better to avoid it in formal writing.
4. Which phrase is more common in American English?
“Me either” is very common in informal American English.
5. Which is better for formal situations?
“Me neither” is the better choice.
6. What can I say instead of “me neither”?
You can say “Neither do I” or “Nor do I.”
7. Do native speakers say “me either”?
Yes, especially in everyday casual conversation.
8. Is “me neither” old-fashioned?
No, it is still standard and widely used today.
Summary: Me Either vs Me Neither
The difference between me either vs me neither is mostly about formality and correctness. Both phrases are used to agree with a negative statement, but “me neither” is the grammatically standard option. It fits naturally because “neither” already carries a negative meaning.
While “me either” is very common in casual American English, it is best reserved for informal conversation. If you want your English to sound correct and polished in all contexts, choosing “me neither” is the better option.
Actionable Takeaway
- Use “me neither” for correct grammar
- Use “me either” only in informal conversation
- In formal English, prefer “neither do I”
- Match your phrase to the tone of the situation
