This lesson is going to teach us the correct usage of very common words like “so” and “neither”. The first thing to remember is that both these words are used in agreement to a statement that is being said. However, the difference in the two words is that “so” is used in agreement to a positive statement and “neither” is used in agreement to a negative statement. Let’s look at the different responses we can get using both these words:
1.When a statement is made in the Simple present tense, you will use
So do I- if it is positive statement
- Eg:I love shopping
- So do I
However, you will use ‘Neither do I’ – if it is negative statement
- Eg:I don’t like football
- Neither do I
2)When a statement is made in the Simple present using the “be” form of the verb (is, am, are) or if the statement is used in the present continuous tense, you will use
So am I- if it is positive statement
- Eg-I am a doctor (be form of the verb)
- So am I
- Eg:I am studying medicine (present continuous)
- So am I
However, you will use ‘Neither am I’ – if it is negative statement
- Eg:I am not thirsty (be form of the verb)
- Neither am I
- Eg:I am not planning to travel (present continuous)
- Neither am I
3. When a statement is made in the Simple past tense, you will use
So did I- if it is positive statement
- Eg:I read a book last night
- So did I
However, you will use ‘Neither did I’ – if it is negative statement
- Eg:I didn’t go to the party
- Neither did I
4) When a statement is made in the Simple past tense with the be form of the verb (was, were), you will use
So was I – if it is positive statement
- Eg:I was overweight as a child
- So was I
However, you will use ‘Neither was I’ – if it is negative statement
- Eg:I wasn’t happy with the feedback I received
- Neither was I
5) When a statement is made using words like have or haven’t, you will use
So have I – if it is positive statement
- Eg:I have registered for guitar class
- So have I
However, you will use ‘Neither have I’ – if it is negative statement
- Eg: I haven’t given her the book
- Neither have I
6. When a statement is made using words like can or can’t, (showing your capability or incapability)you will use
So can I – if it is positive statement
- Eg:I can read the entire book
- So can I
However, you will use Neither can I- if it is negative statement
- Eg:I cant swim for more than 30 minutes
- Neither can I
7. When a statement is made using words like will or wont, (indicating Future tense)you will use
So will I – if it is positive statement
- Eg: I will cook pasta for lunch tomorrow
- So will I
However, you will use Neither will I- if it is negative statement
- Eg: I wont drive to work tomorrow
- Neither will I
