Conversation6.4

So do I / Neither do I: how to agree naturally in English

Aug 6, 2026 · 3 min · Speakwell

"Me too" works, but native speakers constantly reach for So do I and Neither do I. They're the glue of natural conversation — and they follow a simple pattern.

The pattern

Agree with a positive statement: So + auxiliary + subject. Agree with a negative one: Neither + auxiliary + subject.

I love pizza. — So do I. agreeing, positive

I can't swim. — Neither can I. agreeing, negative

Get the word order right

Say this

So do I.

Not this

So I do.

The order is So + auxiliary + subject.

Don't double the negative

Say this

Neither do I.

Not this

Neither I don't.

'Neither' is already negative — don't add 'not'.

Match the auxiliary

Use the same helping verb as the first speaker: am with am, have with have, can with can.

Say this

I'm tired. — So am I.

Not this

I'm tired. — So do I.

Match the auxiliary: 'am' pairs with 'am', not 'do'.

Once this is automatic, conversations flow — you can react instantly instead of pausing to build a full sentence.

Practice this out loud. Speakwell drills these responses until they're reflexes — join the waitlist.