Lesson

Too/either, so am I/neither do I

Agreement expressions

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Agreement with Too / Either and So am I / Neither do I

These expressions are used to agree with a previous statement. Use 'too' and 'so + auxiliary + subject' to agree with positive statements; use 'either' and 'neither + auxiliary + subject' to agree with negative statements. The choice depends on sentence polarity (positive/negative) and the verb/auxiliary used.

  • Positive agreement: 'So + auxiliary + subject' or 'too' at the end of a clause.
  • Negative agreement: 'Neither + auxiliary + subject' or 'either' at the end of a clause.
  • Use inversion after 'so' and 'neither' (So can I / Neither do I).
  • Place 'too' or 'either' at the end of a clause (I like it, too / I don't either).

For short spoken answers you can also use 'Me too' (positive) and 'Me neither' (negative) in informal contexts.

Table

Structures and Examples

Structure Meaning / Use Example
So + auxiliary + subject Agree with a positive statement; inversion required I can attend the meeting. → So can I.
Subject + verb + too Agree with a positive statement; placed at sentence end I completed the report, too.
Neither + auxiliary + subject Agree with a negative statement; inversion required They haven't received the invoice. → Neither have we.
Subject + negative verb + either Agree with a negative statement; 'either' at sentence end I don't have the password either.
Informal: Me too / Me neither Short spoken agreement A: I love this project. — B: Me too.
With different auxiliaries Use the same auxiliary as the original sentence She was late. → So was he. / He won't come. → Neither will I.

Tip

Key Rule: Match polarity and auxiliary

Always match the polarity (positive/negative) and use the same auxiliary when you form a response.

  • Positive original → use 'so + auxiliary + subject' or '... , too'.
  • Negative original → use 'neither + auxiliary + subject' or '... either'.
  • Use inversion after 'so' and 'neither' (auxiliary before subject).
  • If there's no auxiliary in a positive present simple sentence, use 'do/does' in the inversion: 'I like it.' → 'So do I.'

Think: polarity first, then pick the correct auxiliary and word order.

Example

Examples in context

I can attend the meeting next Tuesday. — So can I.

I don't like coffee. — Neither do I.

She is presenting the Q3 results. — So is he.

We haven't received the invoice yet. — Neither have we.

Tip

Common Mistakes (what to avoid)

Avoid these frequent errors when forming agreement responses.

  • Using 'so' without inversion: incorrect → 'So I can' instead of correct 'So can I'.
  • Placing 'too' before the subject: incorrect → 'Too I agree' instead of 'I agree, too.'
  • Using 'either' in positive sentences: 'I like it either' is wrong.
  • Mixing auxiliaries: if the original sentence uses 'have' or 'will', do not use 'do' incorrectly in the response.
  • Double negatives or redundant negatives: don't say 'Neither I don't' or 'I don't either not'.

Focus on polarity, correct auxiliary, and word order (inversion) to avoid mistakes.

Quiz

Choose the correct response to: "I don't have a car."

Hint: Focus on the negative polarity and use 'neither' with the correct auxiliary.

Quiz

Complete: She can speak French. _____

Hint: Think about using 'so' to agree with a positive sentence and the required word order.

Quiz

Which sentence uses 'either' correctly?

Hint: Check sentence polarity and the position of 'either'.

Key Points

Vocabulary

too

adverb CEFR A2 //tuː//

also; in addition (used in positive sentences, usually at the end).

I completed the budget report, too.

Vocabulary

either

adverb CEFR B1 //ˈaɪðər/ /ˈiːðər//

used to agree with a negative statement; placed at the end of a clause.

I don't have access to the file either.

GrammarPoint

so + auxiliary + subject

grammar_point CEFR B1 //səʊ ˈɔːɡzɪləri əv ˈsʌbdʒɛkt//

structure used to agree with a positive statement; requires inversion of auxiliary and subject.

The client approved the proposal. — So did the manager.

GrammarPoint

neither + auxiliary + subject

grammar_point CEFR B2 //ˈnaɪðər ˈɔːɡzɪləri əv ˈsʌbdʒɛkt//

structure used to agree with a negative statement; requires inversion and the same auxiliary as the original sentence.

We haven't received the payment. — Neither have we.

GrammarPoint

inversion after so/neither

grammar_point CEFR B2 //ɪnˈvɜːʃən ˈɑːftər səʊ ˈnaɪðər//

the auxiliary verb comes before the subject (So can I / Neither do I); required after 'so' and 'neither' in agreement responses.

He will join the call. — So will I.

Expression

Me too / Me neither

expression CEFR A2 //miː tuː/ /miː ˈnaɪðər//

informal short responses: 'Me too' for positive agreement, 'Me neither' for negative agreement.

A: I need a break. — B: Me too.