When can we use So do I/ Neither do I? Are they the same?
Use ’SO + auxiliary/modal verb + SUBJECT.’ to respond to a positive statement when it is true for you too. (or true for somebody else!) To use this structure correctly, you have to know all the auxiliary and modal verbs that can be used. Let’s look at the most common forms:
PRESENT SIMPLE
- They work here.
- So do I.
- I want to see it.
- So does she.
- He’s married.
- So am I.
- I’m an accountant.
- So is my wife.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
- I’m just trying to help.
- So am I.
- I’m feeling better.
- So is he.
- We’re going to the match.
- So are they.
PAST SIMPLE
- I got home late last night.
- So did I.
- They loved my presentation.
- So did we.
- I was late for the meeting.
- So was I.
PAST CONTINUOUS
- I was looking for a place to park when you called.
- So was I.
- We were running out of time.
- So were they.
PRESENT PERFECT (Simple and Continuous)
- I’ve seen this man before.
- So have I.
- They’ve been on holiday.
- So have we.
- He’s done his homework.
- So has she.
- I’ve been living here for a long time.
- So have I.
- She’s been working on it all week.
- So has he.
FUTURE SIMPLE
- I will call them tomorrow.
- So will I.
- I’ll be so happy to see James.
- So will his wife.
MODAL VERBS
- I can paint really well.
- So can I.
- Ben must work harder.
- So must Susie.
- I should go now.
- So should I.
- We could talk to him backstage.
- So could we.
Remember, if you find it difficult to come up with a correct response, you can always use ’Me too.’ when a positive statement is true for you:
- I can paint really well.
- Me too.
- I’ve been living here for a long time.
- Me too.
- We were running out of time.
- Me too.
When a negative statement is true for you (or somebody else), use NEITHER + auxiliary/modal verb + SUBJECT.
- I don’t live here.
- Neither do I.
- My daughter doesn’t like spinach.
- Neither does my son.
- I’m not busy today.
- Neither am I.
- I didn’t see anything.
- Neither did I.
- They weren’t there.
- Neither were we.
- Joe wasn’t playing that day.
- Neither was Darren.
- I haven’t seen this film.
- Neither have I.
- I won’t be able to go.
- Neither will I.
- You shouldn’t see this.
- Neither should the children.
If it’s too difficult for you, there’s an easier response you can use: Me neither. Of course, you can only use it when talking about yourself.
- I didn’t see anything.
- Me neither.
- I haven’t seen this film.
- Me neither.
- I won’t be able to go.
- Me neither.
