Agreeing: So do I / Neither do I / Me too / Me neither

Rules

• Rule 1: Positive sentence → So

  To agree with a positive sentence: So + auxiliary + subject. The order matters: So first, then the verb, then the subject.

  Pattern: So + auxiliary + subject

  Example: I'm ready. – So am I.

  Example: I'll be there. – So will I.

• Rule 2: Negative sentence → Neither

  To agree with a negative sentence: Neither + positive auxiliary + subject. Neither already means “not”, so we don't add another not. (Nor can I is also correct.) never makes a sentence negative too. I can't wait! sounds happy, but its form is negative, so the full reply is Neither can I! (in casual talk many people just say Me too!).

  Pattern: Neither + positive auxiliary + subject

  Example: I don't like olives. – Neither do I.

  Example: I've never been to Rize. – Neither have I.

• Rule 3: Find the right auxiliary

  If the sentence has be, can, will, have (auxiliary), would, should, repeat it. With normal verbs use do / does / did. Main-verb have (possession) takes do in American English.

  Pattern: am → am · like → do · likes → does · liked → did · have seen → have

  Example: I have a bike. – So do I.

  Example: I've seen it. – So have I.

• Rule 4: It works for other people too

  The pattern isn't only for “I”: and so does my dad, and neither can Leo. The auxiliary agrees with the subject that comes after it.

  Pattern: …, and so / neither + auxiliary + subject

  Example: Elif likes math, and so does her brother.

  Example: Cats can't fly, and neither can dogs.

Common mistakes

• I don't like it. – Neither don't I. → I don't like it. – Neither do I.

  Neither is already negative; use a positive auxiliary.

• I can't swim. – So can I. → I can't swim. – Neither can I.

  Agree with a negative sentence using Neither, not So.

• I like pizza. – So like I. → I like pizza. – So do I.

  Don't repeat the main verb; use do.