Is It Me Either Or Me Neither

Is It "Me Either" or "Me Neither"? A Deep Dive into Grammatical Nuances

The seemingly simple phrase, "me neither," often sparks debate among grammar enthusiasts. Is it "me either" or "me neither"? Which is grammatically correct, and why? This seemingly minor grammatical point actually reveals a deeper understanding of pronoun case and sentence structure in English. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of this common grammatical dilemma, providing a clear and definitive answer while exploring the nuances that make it a fascinating topic for language lovers.

Understanding the Context: Agreement and Negation

Before we dive into the specifics of "me either" versus "me neither," let's understand the context in which these phrases are used. They're typically responses to negative statements, expressing agreement with the negative sentiment. For example:

• Person A: "I don't like broccoli."
• Person B: "Me neither!" (or "Me either," depending on your perspective)

The key here is the expression of agreement within a negative context. Both phrases aim to convey the same meaning: the speaker shares the same negative feeling or experience as the previous speaker.

The Case for "Me Neither"

The generally accepted and grammatically preferred option is "me neither." This preference stems from a deeper understanding of how pronouns function within sentence structure.

Understanding Pronoun Case: Objective vs. Subjective

In English, pronouns have different forms depending on their grammatical function in a sentence. We have subjective pronouns (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) which act as the subject of a verb, and objective pronouns (me, you, him, her, it, us, them) which act as the object of a verb or preposition.

The phrase "me neither" fits seamlessly into a contraction of a longer, more grammatically explicit sentence. Consider this:

• "I don't like broccoli," Person A says.
• "Neither do I," Person B might reply.

This longer response is grammatically correct and clearly shows the use of the subjective pronoun "I" as the subject of the verb "do." The contraction "me neither" is essentially a shortened version of this longer response. "Neither do I" is shortened to "Me neither," maintaining "me" as the object of the implied verb, making it grammatically consistent.

"Neither" as a Conjunction

The word "neither" functions as a correlative conjunction, similar to "either...or" but expressing negation. It works in conjunction with the implied verb in the shorter response. In "me neither," "neither" acts as an elliptical conjunction, meaning some words are left unsaid but implied by the context.

The Case for "Me Either" (and Why It's Less Preferred)

While "me neither" is generally preferred, you might encounter "me either." This version stems from a misunderstanding of the elliptical nature of the response. Some might mistakenly treat "either" as a standalone word meaning "also" or "too," thereby ignoring the implied negative context and correct pronoun case.

Let's analyze this further. If you say, "I like broccoli," and someone replies, "Me too!" this is perfectly acceptable, since it mirrors the positive sentiment. However, when the original statement is negative, the pronoun case shifts. Using "either" in a negative context might unintentionally imply agreement with the positive counterpart of the statement.

More Examples to Illustrate the Difference

Let's look at more examples to reinforce the difference and solidify the understanding of why "me neither" reigns supreme.

Scenario 1: Negative statement

• Person A: "I haven't finished my homework."
• Person B (Correct): "Me neither." (Implies: "Neither have I.")
• Person B (Less preferred): "Me either." (Could be misinterpreted)

Scenario 2: Negative question

• Person A: "Don't you think this movie is boring?"
• Person B (Correct): "Me neither." (Implies: "Neither do I.")
• Person B (Less preferred): "Me either." (Could be misinterpreted)

Scenario 3: More complex negative statements

• Person A: "I'm not going to that party; I've heard it's awful."
• Person B (Correct): "Me neither. I've heard the same." (Implies: "Neither am I.")
• Person B (Less preferred): "Me either. I've heard the same." (Could be misinterpreted)

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Many people mistakenly believe that "me either" is acceptable because they think it's a shorter version of "I don't either." However, this misses the crucial point of the implied verb and pronoun case.

Another common error stems from the frequent use of "too" and "either" in positive statements. Since "me too" is perfectly acceptable in affirmative contexts, people might mistakenly apply the same logic to negative contexts.

Conclusion: Clarity and Grammatical Precision

While both "me either" and "me neither" are frequently heard in everyday conversation, "me neither" is the grammatically correct and preferred choice. It accurately reflects the underlying sentence structure and pronoun case. Choosing "me neither" demonstrates a refined understanding of English grammar and ensures clear, unambiguous communication. While "me either" might be understood in context, sticking with "me neither" helps maintain grammatical precision and enhances your communication skills. It's a small detail, but it speaks volumes about your attention to linguistic accuracy. The next time you find yourself in a conversation requiring this response, remember the nuances discussed here and opt for the grammatically superior choice, "me neither". Remember, mastering grammar is a journey, not a destination, and each correct usage contributes to building a more comprehensive command of the language.