Is It Me Either Or Me Neither

Is It "Me Either" or "Me Neither"? Understanding the Nuances of Agreement

Are you ever unsure whether to say "me either" or "me neither"? This common grammatical dilemma trips up many native English speakers, but understanding the subtle difference is key to sounding confident and correct. This article will clarify the usage of both phrases, helping you choose the right one in any conversation.

Understanding the Context: Expressing Agreement in Negative Statements

Both "me either" and "me neither" are used to express agreement with a negative statement. They're informal ways to say "I agree with your negative statement." The key difference lies in the specific type of agreement they convey.

"Me Neither" – The Direct Agreement

Use "me neither" when you're directly agreeing with a negative statement about yourself. It's a contraction of "me, neither," emphasizing that you share the same negative experience or opinion.

Examples:

• Friend: "I didn't enjoy that movie."

• You: "Me neither. It was terrible!"

• Friend: "I haven't finished my homework yet."

• You: "Me neither. I'm completely swamped."

• Friend: "I'm not a fan of spicy food."

• You: "Me neither. It's just too much for me."

"Me Either" – The Agreement of Shared Feeling

"Me either" is used when agreeing with a negative statement, but the emphasis shifts slightly. Instead of directly mirroring the negative experience, it expresses a shared feeling or sentiment. Think of it as agreeing with the feeling behind the negative statement, even if your specific experience is different.

Examples:

• Friend: "I'm so tired today." (Negative statement about a feeling)

• You: "Me either. I could sleep for a week." (Agreeing with the feeling of tiredness, even if the cause is different)

• Friend: "I'm really stressed about this project." (Negative statement about a feeling)

• You: "Me either. This deadline is insane!" (Agreeing with the feeling of stress, even if the project differs)

• Friend: "I don't feel like going out tonight." (Negative statement about a feeling/desire)

• You: "Me either. I'd rather stay in and relax." (Agreeing with the sentiment of not wanting to go out)

The Grammatical Explanation (for the detail-oriented)

While both phrases are grammatically informal, a closer look reveals a subtle difference. "Me neither" is technically a more direct and grammatically sound response. The word "neither" acts as a pronoun, meaning "not either one". "Me either" uses "either" as a pronoun, implying the shared negative feeling, though it's less grammatically precise.

Which One to Use? A Simple Guideline

The best way to decide is to consider the focus of your agreement:

• Focus on shared experience: Use "me neither."
• Focus on shared feeling/sentiment: Use "me either."

While both phrases are commonly used and generally understood, opting for "me neither" will generally be seen as slightly more grammatically correct. However, using "me either" isn't necessarily incorrect, especially in informal settings. The most important aspect is clarity and natural communication. Choose the phrase that best conveys your intended meaning and feels most comfortable to you.