A2Auxiliary verbs

So and neither

Agree with positive statements using so and with negative statements using neither, matching the auxiliary or modal in the first sentence.

Overview

What this grammar does

Agree with positive statements using so and with negative statements using neither, matching the auxiliary or modal in the first sentence.

Form and rules

How it works

Use So + auxiliary/modal + subject after a positive statement: I am tired. So am I.

Use Neither + auxiliary/modal + subject after a negative statement: I don't drive. Neither do I.

Match the first sentence's verb: is → is, do → do, did → did, have → have, can → can, will → will.

Change the auxiliary when the new subject requires it: She has finished. So have they.

Me too and Me neither are common informal alternatives, but the so/neither pattern is useful for accurate auxiliary practice.

A closer look

Meaning and use

Change the auxiliary when the new subject requires it: She has finished. So have they.

Me too and Me neither are common informal alternatives, but the so/neither pattern is useful for accurate auxiliary practice.

Examples

See the pattern in complete sentences

I'm tired. So am I.

I don't eat meat. Neither do I.

She can drive. So can he.

We haven't seen it. Neither have they.

I loved the film. So did Ana.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

I like jazz. Neither do I.

I like jazz. So do I.

Positive agreement uses So + auxiliary + subject.

I can't swim. So can my brother.

I can't swim. Neither can my brother.

Negative agreement uses Neither + auxiliary + subject.

Ready to practise?

The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.

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