If someone says, “I don’t like horror movies,” should you reply “Me either” or “Me neither”?
The short answer is: “Me neither” is the standard choice, especially in careful or formal English. “Me either” is also used in informal English, particularly in North American speech, and major dictionaries recognize it.
The confusion comes from the fact that either and neither are closely related words, but they do different jobs. Once you connect either with negative statements and neither with agreement with a negative statement, the choice becomes much easier.
This guide explains the difference between me either and me neither, when each is used, how they compare with I don’t either and neither do I, and which forms are safest in school, business, and everyday conversation.
Me Either or Me Neither Quick Answer
Is it “me either” or “me neither”?
Use “me neither” when you want to agree with a negative statement.
- “I don’t like coffee.” — “Me neither.”
- “I can’t swim.” — “Me neither.”
- “I haven’t seen that movie.” — “Me neither.”
“Me either” is also used informally, especially in North American English, with the same basic meaning: “Neither do I.” Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries specifically labels this use as informal and especially North American.
Memory tip:
Negative statement → me neither.
If you want the safest choice in formal or edited English, choose “neither do I” or “I don’t either.”
“Me Neither” Meaning and Usage
“Me neither” means “I also do not” or “Neither do I.” It is used when you agree with another person’s negative statement.
For example:
“I don’t enjoy crowded places.”
“Me neither.”
The second speaker is saying, “I don’t enjoy crowded places either.”
Oxford defines neither as meaning “not one nor the other” and also records its adverbial use for showing that a negative statement is true of another person. Its example includes the informal response “Me neither.”
Why it matters
The negative meaning is already established in the first person’s statement:
- “I don’t like it.”
- “I can’t drive.”
- “I haven’t finished.”
Neither then carries the idea of “also not.”
More examples
Daily conversation
“I’m not hungry.”
“Me neither.”
Workplace
“I haven’t received the revised contract.”
“Me neither.”
Education
“I didn’t understand the final question.”
“Me neither.”
Social media
“I don’t think this update is useful.”
“Me neither.”
Key takeaway
“Me neither” is a natural informal response to a negative statement.
Is “Me Either” Wrong?
No—not necessarily.
This is one of the most useful distinctions to understand.
In traditional grammar teaching, learners are often told that “me neither” is correct and “me either” is incorrect. That advice is too absolute.
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries explicitly records “Me either” as an informal expression, especially in North American English, with the meaning “Neither do I.”
So you may hear:
“I don’t like it.”
“Me either.”
This is understandable and established in informal usage.
Why, then, do teachers often prefer “me neither”?
Because “me neither” is the more widely accepted conventional response in careful English, while “me either” is more strongly associated with informal speech.
That distinction matters in situations such as:
- academic assignments
- formal correspondence
- professional reports
- edited publications
- English-language examinations
In those settings, “Neither do I” is an especially clear choice.
Practical rule
| Situation | Best choice |
| Casual conversation | Me neither |
| Casual North American speech | Me neither / Me either |
| Academic writing | Neither do I |
| Formal business writing | Neither do I |
| Clear general-purpose English | Me neither |
| Very formal prose | Rewrite the sentence rather than use either response |
Key takeaway
“Me either” is not simply an impossible phrase. It is an informal usage. “Me neither” is the safer standard choice.
Me Either vs. Me Neither: The Core Difference
The easiest way to understand the distinction is to separate either and neither by function.
| Expression | Basic meaning | Typical use |
| me neither | I also do not | Agreement with a negative statement |
| me either | I also do not | Informal agreement with a negative statement |
| I don’t either | I also do not | Standard negative agreement |
| neither do I | I also do not | Standard and more formal negative agreement |
| me too | I also do | Agreement with a positive statement |
Consider these pairs:
“I like jazz.”
“Me too.”
But:
“I don’t like jazz.”
“Me neither.”
The important point is not simply the word either or neither. It is the polarity of the statement.
Positive statement
“I enjoy hiking.”
“Me too.”
Negative statement
“I don’t enjoy hiking.”
“Me neither.”
Key takeaway
Positive agreement usually uses “me too”; negative agreement commonly uses “me neither.”
“Neither Do I” vs. “Me Neither”
These expressions have essentially the same conversational purpose, but their style differs.
“Me neither”
This is a short conversational response.
“I can’t stay late.”
“Me neither.”
It is natural because the listener understands the missing words from context.
“Neither do I”
This is a complete grammatical construction with subject–auxiliary inversion.
“I can’t stay late.”
“Neither can I.”
Notice that the auxiliary verb changes according to the original sentence.
“I don’t like it.” → “Neither do I.”
“I can’t swim.” → “Neither can I.”
“I haven’t finished.” → “Neither have I.”
“I wasn’t there.” → “Neither was I.”
This is why “neither do I” is not a universal replacement for every negative sentence.
Why it matters
Choosing the correct auxiliary makes your English more precise.
Compare:
“I don’t understand.”
“Neither do I.” ✓
But:
“I can’t understand.”
“Neither do I.” ✗
The better response is:
“Neither can I.” ✓
Key takeaway
Use “me neither” as a simple conversational response. Use “neither + auxiliary + subject” when you want a complete grammatical construction.
“I Don’t Either” vs. “Me Neither”
Another important alternative is “I don’t either.”
“I don’t watch television.”
“I don’t either.”
This is standard and natural.
The word either can appear after a negative verb phrase to add another negative statement. Oxford gives the example “I can’t go and I can’t either,” illustrating this pattern.
The choice becomes clearer if you compare the structures:
| Pattern | Example |
| Negative + either | I don’t like it either. |
| Neither + auxiliary + subject | Neither do I. |
| Short informal response | Me neither. |
| Informal alternative | Me either. |
All four can communicate negative agreement, but they do not have exactly the same grammatical structure.
Professional writing tip
If you are writing an email, report, or academic assignment, avoid relying on the conversational “me” construction. Write:
“I don’t agree either.”
or:
“Neither do I.”
This makes the grammatical relationship explicit.
Key takeaway
“I don’t either” is a standard alternative to “me neither,” while “me neither” is more conversational.
A Simple Decision Guide
When you are unsure what to say, use this sequence.
Step 1: Is the original statement negative?
No → Use “me too” for agreement.
“I love classical music.”
“Me too.”
Yes → Continue.
Step 2: Are you speaking casually?
Yes → “Me neither” is a safe, natural choice.
“I haven’t watched the series.”
“Me neither.”
No → Continue.
Step 3: Are you writing formally?
Use “Neither do I,” “Neither can I,” “Neither have I,” or another structure that matches the auxiliary verb.
Step 4: Want to use “either”?
Use a negative sentence with either:
“I haven’t watched it either.”
The shortcut
Positive → me too
Negative → me neither
Formal negative agreement → neither + auxiliary + I
Negative sentence with either → I don’t/can’t/haven’t … either
Common Mistakes With “Me Either” and “Me Neither”
Mistake 1: Using “me too” after a negative statement
Wrong for standard meaning:
“I don’t like spicy food.”
“Me too.”
This normally sounds as though you agree that you do like spicy food, which reverses the intended meaning.
Better:
“Me neither.”
Mistake 2: Assuming “me either” is always grammatically impossible
That rule is too strict.
“Me either” is recognized as an informal expression, especially in North American English.
However, if you are learning English and want one dependable form, “me neither” is the better default.
Mistake 3: Saying “neither do I” after every negative verb
The auxiliary must match the original verb.
“I can’t drive.”
Neither can I. ✓
Not:
“Neither do I.” ✗
Mistake 4: Creating a double negative
For example:
“I don’t like it.”
“I don’t neither.”
In standard English, this is not the normal way to express agreement.
Use:
“Me neither.”
or:
“I don’t either.”
Mistake 5: Confusing “either” with “neither” outside this construction
Either and neither have several grammatical uses.
“You can choose either option.”
Here, either means one of two choices.
“Neither option is suitable.”
Here, neither means not one and not the other.
Oxford notes that either and neither can function as determiners or pronouns, and that they normally take a singular verb when used directly before a noun.
Key takeaway
Do not memorize “either = wrong” and “neither = right.” Learn the specific grammatical pattern being used.
“Either” and “Neither” Have Other Meanings
The confusion becomes easier to resolve once you know that these words are not limited to agreement.
Either
Either can indicate one of two possibilities:
“You can take either bus.”
It can also form the structure either … or …:
“We can either call them or send an email.”
And after a negative statement, either can mean “also”:
“I don’t want dessert either.”
Oxford records these different uses separately.
Neither
Neither can mean “not one and not the other”:
“Neither answer is correct.”
It can also form neither … nor …:
“Neither the manager nor the assistant was available.”
And it can introduce negative agreement:
“I don’t know.”
“Neither do I.”
Oxford likewise distinguishes these uses.
Why this matters
The same word can perform different grammatical jobs. Looking only at the word itself can therefore be misleading.
Key takeaway
Learn “either” and “neither” as patterns, not as isolated vocabulary words.
Everyday, Academic, and Professional Examples
Daily conversation
“I’m not tired.”
“Me neither.”
This is short, natural, and conversational.
Workplace conversation
“I haven’t received the meeting link.”
“Neither have I.”
This sounds clear and professional.
Instead of:
“Me neither.”
Write:
“I haven’t received it either.”
The full sentence is usually more appropriate in professional correspondence.
Academic writing
Instead of:
“Me neither.”
Prefer:
“Neither do I.”
Or, better yet, state the point directly if the context requires formal prose:
“I do not share this view.”
Customer service
“I’m not seeing the updated invoice.”
“I’m not seeing it either.”
This avoids the very conversational tone of “me neither” while remaining natural.
Key takeaway
The most grammatically correct expression is not always the most appropriate expression for the situation. Register matters.
A Useful Editor’s Rule: Choose for Register, Not Just Grammar
When editing English, ask two questions:
- Is the expression grammatically acceptable?
- Does it fit the situation?
For example, “Me either” may be acceptable in informal North American conversation, but that does not automatically make it the best choice for a university essay.
Similarly, “Neither do I” is grammatically sound but may feel slightly formal in a relaxed conversation between friends.
A good editor does not merely label language “right” or “wrong.” The editor considers standardness, formality, region, context, and audience.
Practical register scale
Very casual:
“Me neither.”
Casual alternative:
“Me either.”
Neutral:
“I don’t either.”
More formal:
“Neither do I.”
Formal and explicit:
“I do not agree either.”
Key takeaway
Grammar tells you what works; register helps you decide what sounds appropriate.
Memory Tricks That Actually Work
The “negative” trick
If the first speaker says not, think:
not → neither
“I don’t…” → “Me neither.”
The “too/either” trick
Remember this pair:
Positive → too
Negative → either
For example:
“I like it too.”
but:
“I don’t like it either.”
Then remember that neither can turn the negative agreement into a short response:
“I don’t like it.”
“Me neither.”
The “full sentence” trick
If you can expand “me neither” into “neither do I”, you are probably dealing with negative agreement.
“I don’t swim.”
“Me neither.”
= “Neither do I.”
Key takeaway
The simplest memory rule is:
Positive agreement = me too.
Negative agreement = me neither.
Mini Quiz: Can You Choose the Right Expression?
Choose the best answer.
1. “I don’t eat meat.”
A. Me too
B. Me neither
C. Either me
Answer: B — Me neither.
2. “I haven’t finished the report.”
A. Neither have I
B. Neither do I
C. Me too
Answer: A — Neither have I.
3. “I don’t want another coffee.”
A. I don’t either.
B. I don’t neither.
C. Me too.
Answer: A — I don’t either.
4. “I love this book.”
A. Me neither
B. Me too
C. I don’t either
Answer: B — Me too.
5. In a formal university essay, which is generally the safest option?
A. Me either
B. Me neither
C. Neither do I
Answer: C — Neither do I.
The point of the quiz is not to memorize five isolated answers. It is to identify whether the original statement is positive or negative, then choose a construction that matches its grammar and register.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “me either” grammatically correct?
It is recognized as an informal expression, particularly in North American English, meaning essentially “neither do I.” Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries lists it as an informal use. For standard written English, “me neither,” “I don’t either,” or “neither do I” is usually a better choice.
Is “me neither” formal English?
It is grammatically natural but conversational. In formal writing, “neither do I” or a complete sentence is generally preferable.
Can I use “me neither” after “I can’t”?
Yes.
“I can’t drive.”
“Me neither.”
If you use the full inverted construction, however, write:
“Neither can I.”
Can I say “me neither” after “I haven’t”?
Yes.
“I haven’t read the book.”
“Me neither.”
The full form is:
“Neither have I.”
Why does “neither do I” change the verb?
Because neither introduces an inverted construction. The auxiliary verb must correspond to the original sentence.
“I don’t…” → “Neither do I.”
“I can’t…” → “Neither can I.”
“I haven’t…” → “Neither have I.”
Is “me either” more common in America?
It is especially associated with informal North American English. Oxford specifically labels this use “especially North American English, informal.”
Should I use “me either” in an English exam?
It is safer to use “me neither” or, where appropriate, “neither do I”. In an exam, standard and unambiguous English is the better strategy.
Is “either” always connected with negative sentences?
No. Either has several uses. It can mean one of two choices, appear in either … or …, or appear after a negative statement to mean “also.”
Is “neither” always followed by “nor”?
No. Neither can stand alone or occur in several structures.
“Neither answer is correct.”
“I don’t like it.” — “Neither do I.”
“Neither John nor Maria attended.”
Oxford records these distinct grammatical uses.
Which is better: “me neither” or “neither do I”?
For casual conversation, “me neither” is very natural. For formal or academic contexts, “neither do I” is generally the safer choice.
What is the difference between “neither” and “none”?
Neither normally refers to two things or people and means not one or the other. None refers to a group and means not one of them or not any. Oxford distinguishes these meanings.
Key Takeaways
- “Me neither” is the safest general answer to a negative statement.
- “Me either” exists and is recognized as an informal, especially North American, usage.
- “Neither do I” is a more formal complete construction.
- “I don’t either” is another standard way to express negative agreement.
- The auxiliary in “neither + auxiliary + I” must match the original sentence.
- Use “me too” for positive agreement, not negative agreement.
- Either and neither have other grammatical uses beyond these short responses.
- In professional or academic writing, choose a complete construction rather than relying on conversational shorthand.
Editorial Note
Grammar advice is often presented as a simple correct/incorrect rule, but real English also involves register and regional usage. In this case, treating “me either” as universally wrong overlooks documented informal usage. At the same time, learners who need a dependable standard form are better served by “me neither” or “neither do I.”
That distinction gives you a more accurate rule: know the usage, then choose the form that fits your audience and context.
References
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries — either — Definitions and grammar guidance for either.
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries — either (adverb) — Includes the negative-agreement use of either and the informal expression “me either.”
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries — neither — Definitions and grammar guidance for neither.
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries — neither (adverb) — Negative-agreement constructions including “me neither.”
Strong Conclusion
If you only remember one rule, make it this:
Someone says something negative → “Me neither.”
So:
“I don’t like it.”
“Me neither.”
If you need a more formal version, switch to “Neither do I”—or use the matching auxiliary, as in “Neither can I” or “Neither have I.”
And if you hear “me either,” do not assume the speaker has made a simple grammar error. It is a documented informal usage. The real skill is knowing when it is appropriate and when a more standard form is the better choice.
David James is an English language enthusiast, writer, and author at StudyNixx, a website dedicated to helping readers understand confusing English words, spelling differences, and commonly mistaken word forms. He focuses on making English language learning simple, practical, and easy to understand.
David is also the author of two books on English language and word usage, where he explores common spelling mistakes, confusing words, and practical ways to improve written English. Through his writing and educational content, he helps students, writers, and everyday English learners choose the right words with confidence.
At StudyNixx, David covers common word comparisons such as summary vs. summery, shiny vs. shiney, spicy vs. spicey, and breached vs. breeched. His goal is to provide clear, useful, and reliable explanations that make English spelling and word usage easier for everyone.