You’ve likely heard someone say “me either” in conversation. It sounds natural. People use it every day. But is it correct? Or should it be “me neither” instead? This small phrase creates a lot of confusion, especially for learners of English and even native speakers.
People search for “me either” because they want a quick answer. They want to know if it’s right, when to use it, and if it sounds formal or informal. The confusion comes from mixing spoken English with grammar rules. Both “me either” and “me neither” exist, but they are not always used the same way.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear answer. You’ll see simple examples. You’ll understand when to use each phrase and when to avoid mistakes. By the end, you won’t hesitate again when replying in conversation or writing.
Me Either – Quick Answer
“Me either” is informal and often used in spoken English, but traditionally “me neither” is grammatically correct.
Simple Examples:
- “I don’t like coffee.”
→ “Me either.” ✅ (informal, common in speech)
→ “Me neither.” ✅ (correct and formal) - “I can’t swim.”
→ “Me either.” (casual)
→ “Me neither.” (standard English)
👉 Quick rule:
- Use “me neither” for correct grammar
- Use “me either” in casual conversation
The Origin of Me Either
The phrase comes from how English handles negative agreement.
- “Neither” has been used for centuries to agree with negative statements.
- It comes from Old English “nāhwæther”, meaning not either of two.
Traditionally, English avoids double negatives. So when someone says a negative sentence, the correct reply uses “neither”, not “either.”
Why did “me either” appear?
Over time, spoken English became relaxed. People started using “either” instead of “neither” because it sounds simpler and faster. This change spread in casual speech, especially in American English.
British English vs American English Spelling
The difference here is not about spelling—it’s about usage style.
| Feature | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Formal usage | Me neither | Me neither |
| Informal speech | Me neither (preferred) | Me either (very common) |
| Acceptance of “me either” | Less common | Widely accepted in speech |
👉 Key idea:
- Both regions accept “me neither” as correct
- “Me either” is more common in American casual speech
Which Spelling Should You Use?
It depends on your audience.
Use “Me Neither” if:
- You are writing formally
- You are in school or exams
- You want correct grammar
- Your audience is global
Use “Me Either” if:
- You are speaking casually
- You are chatting with friends
- You are writing informal messages
👉 Safe choice:
If unsure, always use “me neither.”
Common Mistakes with Me Either
Here are frequent errors and how to fix them:
❌ Incorrect:
- “I don’t like pizza.” → “Me too.”
✔ Correct: - “Me neither.”
❌ Incorrect:
- “I can’t go.” → “Me also.”
✔ Correct: - “Me neither.”
❌ Incorrect (formal writing):
- “Me either.”
✔ Correct: - “Me neither.”
👉 Tip:
- Use “too” for positive sentences
- Use “neither” for negative sentences
Me Either in Everyday Examples
In Conversations:
- “I don’t watch TV.” → “Me either.”
- “I’m not hungry.” → “Me neither.”
In Emails:
- Informal: “I didn’t understand the meeting either. Me either.”
- Formal: “I did not understand the meeting. Me neither.”
On Social Media:
- “I can’t wake up early 😩”
→ “Me either!”
In News or Formal Writing:
- Rarely used. Writers prefer full sentences:
→ “I do not either.” or “Neither do I.”
Me Either – Google Trends & Usage Data
- “Me neither” is more common in formal writing worldwide
- “Me either” is popular in:
- United States
- Casual online content
- Social media
Context Use:
| Context | Preferred Phrase |
|---|---|
| Academic writing | Me neither |
| Business communication | Me neither |
| Casual chat | Me either |
| Social media | Me either |
👉 Insight:
“Me either” is growing because people prefer simple, fast speech.
Comparison Table: Keyword Variations
| Phrase | Correctness | Usage | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Me either | Informally correct | Spoken English | Casual |
| Me neither | Grammatically correct | All contexts | Neutral/Formal |
| Neither do I | Fully correct | Formal writing | Formal |
| I don’t either | Correct | Neutral speech | Neutral |
FAQs :
1. Is “me either” correct grammar?
Not traditionally. It is informal but widely used in speech.
2. What is the correct reply to a negative sentence?
“Me neither” or “Neither do I.”
3. Why do people say “me either”?
Because it is shorter and common in casual speech.
4. Can I use “me either” in writing?
Only in informal writing like texts or social media.
5. Is “me neither” old-fashioned?
No. It is still the standard correct form.
6. Which is more popular?
“Me either” is popular in speech, but “me neither” is preferred in writing.
7. What should learners use?
Use “me neither” to stay safe and correct.
Conclusion :
The phrase “me either” is a great example of how real language changes over time. While grammar rules prefer “me neither,” everyday speech often bends those rules. That’s why you hear “me either” so often, especially in casual settings.
If your goal is correctness, stick with “me neither.” It works in all situations—formal writing, exams, and professional communication. On the other hand, if you are speaking with friends or chatting online, “me either” sounds natural and friendly.
The key is context. English is flexible, but knowing the difference helps you sound more confident and clear. When in doubt, choose the safer option. But when relaxed, feel free to speak like a native.
Mastering small phrases like this improves your overall fluency. And once you understand it, you won’t second-guess yourself again.
