You know that awkward moment when someone says, “I don’t like broccoli,” and your brain freezes like it just got a software update? Should you reply with Me Either vs Me Neither? Suddenly, a two-word answer feels like the ultimate English exam. Don’t worry you’re not alone. Millions of people stumble over this exact phrase every day. The confusion isn’t just silly grammar nitpicking; it’s about sounding natural, confident, and not like you accidentally invented a new language. In this article, we’ll break down Me Either vs Me Neither, explain the rules behind negative agreement phrases, and show you exactly what to say in casual conversation and beyond.
Why This Confusion Still Matters
At first glance, “Me either” and “Me neither” might seem interchangeable. They’re short, snappy, and appear everywhere on TikTok, Twitter, text threads, even in spoken conversations. But the difference is important for several reasons.
- Clarity matters. Saying the wrong phrase can confuse listeners or make your English seem less polished.
- Formality matters. Even in casual professional settings, knowing the correct usage helps you maintain credibility.
- Regional variations. British speakers sometimes use “Me either” in casual speech. Americans almost always prefer “Me neither.”
In short, this isn’t just nitpicking. It’s about speaking English in a way that is clear, confident, and correct, while still sounding natural.
Quick Answer: Me Either vs Me Neither
Here’s the simplest way to remember it:
- Me neither is correct for agreeing with negative statements.
- Me either is mostly informal slang and should be avoided in formal writing.
| Phrase | Correct Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Me neither | Yes | Works in both casual and formal English |
| Me either | No (except in informal British English) | Common in speech, not recommended in writing |
So if your friend says, “I can’t swim,” the correct response is always:
“Me neither.”
Even though you might see “Me either” on social media or hear it from British speakers, it’s not considered standard English.
What Does 4ktrey Mean? A Complite guide 2026
The Grammar Behind Negative Agreement

To understand why “Me neither” is correct, let’s look at how negative agreement phrases work.
English uses special words to agree with negative statements. When someone says something negative, your response must match that negativity:
- I don’t like coffee. → Me neither
- I haven’t seen that movie. → Me neither
- I’m not tired. → Me neither
Using Me either feels natural in conversation, but grammatically, it doesn’t match the negative agreement.
Think of it like a simple rule:
Negative statement + Negative response = Correct English
Negative statement + Me either = Sounds casual, not correct
A small table makes this clear:
| Statement | Correct Response | Incorrect Response |
|---|---|---|
| I don’t like broccoli | Me neither | Me either |
| I haven’t read the book | Me neither | Me either |
| I’m not coming to the party | Me neither | Me either |
The important takeaway is that Me neither inherently carries the negative meaning, while Me either doesn’t. That’s why only Me neither works in standard English.
Historical Development of Me Either and Me Neither
The history of these phrases helps explain why people still get them confused.
- “Neither” has been used in English since the 14th century as a negative agreement term. It’s consistent in both speech and writing.
- “Either” originally meant “one or the other.” Its use as a negative agreement phrase didn’t become common until the 20th century, mainly in informal British English.
Older literature consistently shows Me neither in dialogue and narrative. “Me either” pops up mostly in casual speech or regional dialects. Modern social media trends have spread it more widely, but it hasn’t replaced standard usage.
British English vs American English
Regional differences make this even more interesting.
- American English:
- “Me neither” dominates in spoken and written forms.
- “Me either” is sometimes used casually in conversation, but it’s frowned upon in formal writing.
- British English:
- Some dialects use “Me either” in casual speech.
- “Me neither” is still correct and widely accepted, especially in writing.
Here’s an example:
American English:
- A: “I don’t like sushi.”
- B: “Me neither.”
British English (informal):
- A: “I don’t like sushi.”
- B: “Me either.”
Even in 2026, this distinction matters if you’re learning English or interacting across regions.
WTAF Meaning: Text, Chat, and Internet Use
Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even fluent speakers make errors with these phrases. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Using Me either in formal writing, emails, or academic work.
- Confusing Me neither with Neither do I.
- Using Me neither for positive statements (never do this).
Quick checklist:
✅ Use Me neither for all negative statements.
✅ Use Me too for positive statements.
✅ Use alternatives like I don’t either or Neither do I for variety.
❌ Avoid Me either unless speaking casually in British English.
Everyday Real-World Examples
Here’s how these phrases show up in daily life:
Casual Conversations
- Friend: “I can’t believe how cold it is today.”
- You: “Me neither.”
Texting and Social Media
- Text: “I don’t like pineapple on pizza.”
- Reply: “Me either” (common online, not correct in writing)
Workplace English
- Colleague: “I haven’t finished the report yet.”
- You: “Me neither.”
Notice that Me neither works across all settings, while Me either is limited to casual conversation.
Trends in 2026
Language is evolving, but some patterns remain:
| Phrase | Usage in 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Me neither | High | Standard English, formal and informal |
| Me either | Low | Mostly casual British English, social media slang |
Social media and texting trends sometimes make Me either appear more common than it actually is. But in modern English usage, it hasn’t replaced Me neither.
Kissed Horizontally Meaning: What It Really Symbolizes
How to Choose the Right Phrase Instantly

Here’s a simple method for 2026 English grammar:
- Identify if the statement is negative.
- Respond with Me neither for negatives.
- Respond with Me too for positives.
- Optional alternatives: Neither do I, I don’t either.
This method works in spoken English, formal writing, and casual conversation.
Related Expressions You Should Know
Knowing other ways to respond to negative statements helps you sound natural:
| Expression | Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Me too | Responds to positive statements | “I like chocolate.” → “Me too.” |
| Neither do I | Formal negative agreement | “I haven’t finished the project.” → “Neither do I.” |
| I don’t either | Casual alternative | “I don’t like traffic.” → “I don’t either.” |
These alternatives help you avoid repetition while keeping your responses grammatically correct.
Reference Cambridge Dictionary Definitions
Here’s a trusted source for clear word meanings:
FAQs
Is Me Neither or Me Either Correct?
Answer:
Me neither is correct for agreeing with negative statements, such as “I don’t like spinach”. Me either is informal, mostly used in casual British English, and is not standard English. In most cases, especially in writing and formal speech, you should always use Me neither.
Which Is Correct: Either or Neither?
Answer:
It depends on context:
- Use neither when responding to negative statements: “I haven’t seen that movie.” → “Me neither.”
- Use either in positive contexts with alternatives: “You can have either tea or coffee.”
Is Me Either Positive or Negative?
Answer:
Me either is meant to agree with a negative statement, but technically it does not follow standard negative agreement rules. That’s why it’s often considered incorrect or informal, even though it sounds natural in casual conversation.
Should I Say Either or Neither?
Answer:
- For negative agreement phrases, always say neither: “I don’t like traffic.” → “Me neither.”
- For choices or options, use either: “You can choose either option A or B.”
Conclusion
So, next time someone says, “I don’t like pineapple on pizza,” don’t panic and invent a new phrase. Just smile confidently and say Me neither. It’s simple, correct, and saves you from accidental internet ridicule or a grammar lecture from your overly pedantic friend. When it comes to Me Either vs Me Neither, remember that Me either might sneak into casual British chatter or a cheeky text, but Me neither is your trusty sidekick for negative statements everywhere. Understanding the difference in Me Either vs Me Neither can make you sound confident in conversation, while using Me Neither meaning correctly shows you’ve mastered this tricky grammar point. Mastering Me Either vs Me Neither will let you navigate daily conversations like a pro, sound natural, and maybe even make a few people chuckle at your grammar-savvy charm.
JHON AJS is an experienced blogger and the creative voice behind the website grammarorbit.com, namely Grammar Orbit. With a keen eye for language and a passion for wordplay, he creates engaging grammar insights, word meanings, and clever content that make learning English enjoyable and interesting for readers.