Do you know how to use so, too, either or neither when speaking in English?
This can be a tricky grammar issue as we need to be careful about the auxiliary and the object pronoun but if we study them we can find simple ways to use them as well as more complete, complex ways.
The Coffee Break English Show is a podcast series of informal conversations to help you understand some difficult topics in English. In the latest episode, Nick and Mark look at how to use so, too, either or neither to show similarity in conversations.
So let’s have a look at when we use these forms and how we can add them to our English conversations. And why not make yourself a cup of coffee or tea to enjoy while you read and listen to the podcast episode?
Similarity
We use so, neither and too to demonstrate a similarity with what has just been said. These words are great for expressing to someone that you have had a similar experience to them. So and too express positive similarities and neither and not.. either express a negative similarity.
So
We use so to express positive similarity in conversations. It is normally in response to what someone else has said and we use the auxiliary verb from the sentence we are responding to in our answer. Let’s have a look:
When we use the verb be, the auxiliary in the second sentence will also be the verb be.
A: I am from the UK. B: So am I!
In present simple sentences with a main verb that is not be, the auxiliary will normally be do.
A: I like pizza. B: So do I!
In past simple sentences, the auxiliary is did (or was or were with the verb be).
A: I went to the cinema yesterday. B: So did I!
In present perfect sentences, it is have.
A: I have had two cups of coffee this morning. B: So have I!
In sentences with modal verbs, the modal verb is the auxiliary.
A: I can speak English. B: So can I!
Too
We can use too in the same way as we do so to show similarity, but the structure changes. With too we have a simple option, a short option and a long option.
The simple option uses the object pronoun plus too. We don’t need to worry about a verb form.
A: I can speak five languages. B: Me too!
We can also use too with the auxiliary verb.
A: I am hungry. B: I am too!
When we want to respond with a full sentence, we just need to add too at the end of the sentence.
A: I lived in Germany for two years. B: I lived in Germany for two years too!
Either or Neither
We use ‘neither’ and ‘not.. either’ to talk about negative similarities. The way we use them is a bit different though so pay attention!
Neither – meaning
In simple answers, we use neither in the same way as we use too. The structure is the object pronoun plus neither.
A: I didn’t go to Spain on holiday. B: Me neither!
We can also use neither in the same way as we use so. The structure is neither + auxiliary verb + subject.
A: I have never been to Argentina. B: Neither have I!
Either – meaning
In short answers with the auxiliary verb, there is an important change. We use the negative form (not), and we do not put the ’n’ at the front of either.
A: I didn’t go to Spain on holiday. B: I didn’t either!
In the full sentence form, the rule is the same as too, we just need to add either at the end.
A: I didn’t go to Spain on holiday. B: I didn’t go to Spain on holiday either!
Pronunciation 🔊
One important aspect of the words either or neither that can confuse learners is that there are two ways to pronounce them.
We can say them with an /ai/ sound like in why, and we can also say them with a long /i:/ or ‘e‘ sound like in see.
There is absolutely no difference in meaning.
Generally, /i:/ is more common in the US and /ai/ is more common in the UK but native speakers frequently use both forms so don’t worry, just pick one!
If you want more practice with the long ‘e’ sound, check out Episode 4 of Season 1 of the Coffee Break Show!
Here’s a visual of today’s lesson
Here are the diffferent options for simple answers, short answers and full answers.
If you find choosing between negative and positive determiners difficult, you might find Episode 9 from Coffee Break English Season 3 really useful. We take a look at the indefinite pronouns something, anything and nothing and explain when to use them.
If you found this lesson helpful, make sure to listen to the full podcast episode with Nick and Mark on The Coffee Break English Show, where we dive deeper into so, too, either and neither with more examples and practice. ☕🎧
We release new episodes regularly, covering useful grammar and vocabulary topics to help you sound more natural in English. Subscribe to our podcast feed and our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode.
Plus, don’t miss your free worksheet – perfect for extra practice after the lesson! When you sign up, you’ll also receive our short coffee break-sized email lessons, delivered straight to your inbox every week, to help you build your English skills. 💪 You’ll even hear from Mark, the founder of Coffee Break Languages, who shares regular tips and motivation for learners of all levels. Sign up below! 👇
Now, it’s your turn! Download the worksheet below for further practice and try using so, too, either or neither in your conversations whenever you can. The more you practise, the more natural it will feel.
Happy Coffee Breaking!
