Agreement with "So" and "Neither"
Watch four videos using short form agreement in conversation.
Conversation 1
Man: I really enjoyed the movie,
Woman: So did I. It was so entertaining.
Man: The plot was great, and the acting was superb.
Woman: I couldn't agree more. There were so many unexpected twists and turns.
Man: I know. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Woman: So was I. I am really looking forward to the sequel.
Man: So am I. I can't wait.
Conversation 2
Man: This food is too spicy. It tastes good, but I can't eat it.
Woman: Neither can I. It's just too hot for my taste buds. My mouth is burning.
Man: Do you want to go somewhere else?
Woman: Frankly, yes. I can't eat this, and I'm starving.
Man: So am I. Do you want to go to the pizza place across the street?
Woman: Yes. That sounds great. Let's just pay the bill and leave.
Man: Okay. I'll call the waiter. I won't say why though. I don't want to be rude.
Woman: Neither do I. Let's just say we have to go.
Conversation 3
Man: How is your math class going?
Woman: Not good. I think I might fail the course. I'm terrible at math.
Man: So am I. I barely passed that class.
Woman: Well, I don't think I can pass the class. I failed the first test, so it doesn't look good for me.
Man: Don't worry. So did I. The first test is the hardest. The final test is much easier.
Woman: Oh, that's good to know. I really need to pass this class.
Man: Don't give up. I didn't quit and I passed, so neither should you.
Woman: Thanks for the support. I'll do my best.
Conversation 4
Man: Thanks for having us over for the party. I had a great time.
Woman: Oh, you're welcome. It was nice of you to come,
Man: By the way, the band you hired were fantastic. I had never heard of them before.
Woman: Neither had I, but a friend recommended them. They were great.
Man: Yeah, they were. I hope to hear them play again sometime.
Woman: Me, too. I would love for them to play at the next party.
Man: So would I. They were great.
Short Agreement with “So” and “Neither”
In English, we often use short responses to agree with someone. Instead of repeating the full sentence, we can say “So do I” or “Neither do I”. These phrases help you sound natural and fluent in conversation.
Use this pattern when someone says something positive, and you feel the same way.
- A: I really enjoyed the movie.
B: So did I. - A: I'm really looking forward to the sequel.
B: So am I. - A: I would love for them to play again.
B: So would I. - A: I was on the edge of my seat.
B: So was I.
Use this pattern when someone says something negative, and you agree.
- A: I can't eat this. It's too spicy.
B: Neither can I. - A: I don't want to be rude.
B: Neither do I. - A: I had never heard of them before.
B: Neither had I. - A: I don't think I can pass this class.
B: Neither do I.
The helping verb in your short reply must match the one used in the first sentence.
- A: I am tired.
B: So am I. - A: I will go to the party.
B: So will I. - A: I have seen the movie.
B: So have I. - A: I did the homework.
B: So did I.
“So...” and “Neither...” are natural alternatives to repeating someone’s full sentence.
- A: I like the movie.
B: So do I. ✅
B: I like the movie, too. ❌ (less natural) - A: I can't eat this.
B: Neither can I. ✅
B: I can't eat it either. ❌ (less natural)
If you do not agree, use a full sentence with polite surprise. This keeps the conversation friendly and clear.
- A: I was mad.
B: Oh, really? I wasn’t. - A: I wasn’t mad.
B: Oh, really? I was. - A: I have seen it.
B: Oh, really? I haven’t. - A: I haven’t seen it.
B: Oh, really? I have.
Tip: Use a friendly tone and body language when disagreeing to keep things polite and respectful.
