Is It Me Neither Or Me Either

Is It "Me Neither" or "Me Either"? Understanding the Subtle Difference

Choosing between "me neither" and "me either" often trips people up. While they sound similar, and both express agreement, there's a crucial difference in their meaning and appropriate usage. This guide will clarify the nuances, helping you confidently choose the right phrase in any conversation. Understanding this subtle difference will significantly improve your grammar and communication skills.

The Core Distinction: Agreement vs. Disagreement

This is the key takeaway: "Me neither" expresses agreement with a negative statement, while "Me either" expresses agreement with a positive statement.

Let's break down each phrase with examples:

"Me Neither": Agreeing with Negatives

Use "me neither" when someone makes a negative statement, and you want to express that you share the same negative experience or opinion.

• Example 1: "I didn't enjoy that movie." "Me neither." (Both speakers disliked the movie.)
• Example 2: "I haven't finished my homework yet." "Me neither." (Both speakers haven't finished their homework.)
• Example 3: "I don't like broccoli." "Me neither." (Both speakers dislike broccoli.)

Notice how "me neither" directly mirrors the negative sentiment. It's a concise way of saying, "I also didn't..." or "I also don't..."

"Me Either": Agreeing with Positives

Use "me either" when someone makes a positive statement, and you share their positive sentiment.

• Example 1: "I loved that concert!" "Me either!" (Both speakers enjoyed the concert.)
• Example 2: "I'm excited for the weekend." "Me either!" (Both speakers are excited for the weekend.)
• Example 3: "I think pizza is delicious." "Me either!" (Both speakers believe pizza is delicious.)

Here, "me either" mirrors the positive sentiment, essentially meaning "I also..." or "I too..."

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is using "me neither" to agree with a positive statement or "me either" to agree with a negative one. This leads to confusion and grammatically incorrect sentences. Pay close attention to the context and the speaker's initial statement.

Further Grammatical Considerations:

While "me neither" and "me either" are commonly used in informal conversation, you might encounter more formal alternatives. For example, "Neither do I" is a grammatically correct and more formal way of agreeing with a negative statement. Similarly, "I do too" or "So do I" can replace "me either" in more formal settings. However, "me neither" and "me either" remain perfectly acceptable in most everyday conversations.

Mastering "Me Neither" and "Me Either"

The difference between "me neither" and "me either" is subtle but significant. By understanding their distinct meanings – agreement with a negative versus a positive statement – you can use them correctly and enhance the clarity and precision of your spoken and written communication. Remember to always consider the context of the conversation to choose the phrase that best conveys your agreement. This will make you a more confident and effective communicator.