If you’ve ever found yourself confused between “me neither” and “me either,” you’re definitely not alone. These two expressions look similar, sound similar, and often appear in everyday English conversations—but their meanings aren’t the same. Many learners mix them up because both are connected to negative statements.
Although they sound alike, they serve completely different purposes depending on the sentence and context.
This clear and friendly guide will explain what each phrase means, when to use it, how people misuse them, and how to avoid mistakes. You’ll also discover real-life dialogues, a comparison table, and memory tricks to help you master the difference quickly. Let’s begin! 👍
What Is “Me Neither”?
“Me neither” is the correct and standard phrase used to agree with a negative statement.
It is accepted in:
- American English
- British English
- Australian English
- Canadian English
This makes it the safe and universal choice.
When Do You Use “Me Neither”?
Use “me neither” when the first speaker uses a negative verb, such as:
- don’t
- doesn’t
- can’t
- won’t
- haven’t
- isn’t
- aren’t
You use it when you want to say the same negative applies to you.
Examples of Negative + “Me Neither”
- “I don’t eat sushi.” → “Me neither.”
- “I can’t sleep early.” → “Me neither.”
- “I haven’t traveled abroad.” → “Me neither.”
Why Is It Grammatically Correct?
“Neither” means not either, so it matches perfectly with a negative sentence.
It is similar to:
- “Neither do I.”
- “Neither can I.”
- “Neither have I.”
Where Is It Commonly Used?
- Everyday conversations
- Text messages
- Social media
- Informal writing
- Spoken interviews
In short:
“Me neither” = Correct & natural way to agree with a negativity.
What Is “Me Either”?
Here’s where confusion starts.
“Me either” is not considered standard grammar, but it is commonly heard in casual American English.
People use it informally to express the same meaning as “me neither,” but grammar experts do not recommend it for writing.
Is “Me Either” Wrong?
Not completely wrong — but not formal either.
It is considered:
- informal
- conversational
- mostly used in the U.S.
- rarely used in British or international English
- NOT suitable for essays, emails, or professional writing
When People Use “Me Either”
You’ll hear it:
- in casual talks
- on TV shows
- in movies
- among friends
- in relaxed American speech
Why It Causes Confusion
Because “either” is usually connected with negative sentences, many assume “me either” is correct.
But grammatically:
- “either” agrees with positive + negative structures
- “neither” agrees with pure negative structures
Meaning:
“Me neither” is the correct choice.
Key Differences Between “Me Neither” and “Me Either”
Here is a simple comparison to instantly understand the difference.
Comparison Table: Me Neither vs Me Either
| Feature | Me Neither | Me Either |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | Correct & standard | Informal & non-standard |
| Usage | Agreeing with negatives | Informal negative agreement |
| Suitable For | All English contexts | Casual American conversations |
| Formal Writing | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Spoken English | ✔ Very common | ✔ Only in casual speech |
| Global Understanding | High | Medium |
Quick Summary:
- Me neither = Proper & correct
- Me either = Casual American expression
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Below are natural dialogues showing how both phrases appear in real conversations.
Dialogue 1
Ali: “I don’t like online classes.”
Hamza: “Me neither. They get boring fast.”
✔ Correct usage.
Dialogue 2
Sana: “I can’t solve this math problem.”
Iqra: “Me either. I’m stuck too.”
✔ Informal U.S. style.
Dialogue 3
John: “I haven’t finished my homework.”
Mark: “Me neither. Let’s do it together.”
✔ Perfect grammar.
Dialogue 4
Hania: “I’m not hungry.”
Areej: “Me neither.”
✔ Negative → Me neither.
Dialogue 5
Usman: “I don’t enjoy long meetings.”
Fahad: “Me either, honestly.”
✔ Informal but common.
When to Use “Me Neither” vs “Me Either”
Use “Me Neither” When:
- You want correct grammar
- You are writing anything formal
- You want to sound globally natural
- The first speaker uses a negative verb
Example:
“I don’t watch horror movies.” → “Me neither.”
Use “Me Either” When:
- You are chatting casually
- You are speaking with American friends
- Grammar rules don’t matter in the moment
- You want natural American slang tone
Example:
“I don’t cook much.” → “Me either.”
Fun Facts About These Expressions
- “Me neither” is used in all types of English around the world.
- “Me either” became trendy because of American sitcoms.
- “Neither do I” is the most formal and grammatically perfect version.
- English learners find “me neither” easier to master.
- Many U.S. natives don’t realize “me either” is informal.
Conclusion
Me neither and me either may sound similar, but they are not used in the same way.
“Me neither” is the correct and universally accepted phrase for agreeing with negative statements.
“Me either” is mostly an informal American expression used casually in speech but not recommended in writing.
If you want to sound clear, correct, and confident — always choose “me neither.”
If you’re chatting informally with friends, you may hear “me either,” and that’s perfectly normal.
DISCOVER MORE ARTICLES
Mam vs Ma’am: What’s the Difference? (Clear Guide for 2026)
Master’s Degree vs Masters Degree: What’s the Difference? (Clear Guide for 2026)
Me Either or Me Neither: What’s the Difference? (Clear Guide for 2026)
