English looks simple on the surface but throws curveballs when similar expressions appear to mean the same thing. You’ve probably seen “me too”, “me as well”, and “I as well” in different places.
They feel similar at first glance, but only two of them are acceptable in real, natural English.
This guide breaks everything down in plain language so you understand what each phrase really means, when to use it, and what to avoid. You’ll also see examples, comparisons, expert tips, and a clear table that shows the best choice in every situation.
If you’ve ever wondered which expression is correct or which one sounds more natural, this article will clear it all up.
Understanding “Me Too,” “Me as Well,” and “I as Well”
Before we dive deep, let’s quickly summarize:
- “Me too” — informal, extremely common, natural, and correct
- “Me as well” — correct, slightly more formal, less common
- “I as well” — grammatically incorrect unless used with a verb (e.g., “I am as well”)
This article explains why these differences matter and how you can use each expression confidently.
“Me Too”: Meaning, Usage, and Real-Life Examples
“Me too” is one of the simplest and most widely used expressions in spoken English. You hear it in conversations, movies, workplaces, classrooms, and even formal settings where people communicate casually.
What “Me Too” Really Means
“Me too” expresses agreement with:
- A feeling
- An action
- A statement
- An experience
- A desire
You’re basically saying, “Same for me.”
Examples
- “I love coffee.” → “Me too!”
- “I’m tired today.” → “Me too.”
- “I want to go early.” → “Me too.”
The structure is simple:
Someone makes a statement → You respond with “Me too.”
Standalone Nature of “Me Too”
One of the reasons “Me too” is so popular is that it stands on its own. You don’t need a verb, context, or full sentence.
Native speakers choose it because:
- It’s short
- It’s natural
- It’s emotionally expressive
- It keeps conversations flowing
In spoken English, shorter expressions feel more human.
Formality Level of “Me Too”
“Me too” is informal, but informality doesn’t mean “unacceptable.”
You can use “me too”:
- In everyday speech
- In casual emails
- In friendly workplace chat
- In social media posts
Avoid it in:
- Academic writing
- Legal writing
- Formal letters
- Official documents
If you need a more formal alternative, “me as well” or “I also” usually works better.
“Me as Well”: Correct, Clear, and Slightly More Formal
“Me as well” is grammatically correct even though it’s less common than “me too.” It has a slightly more polished tone, which makes it useful in semi-formal or professional conversations.
What “Me as Well” Means
It means the same thing as “me too,” but it feels:
- More polite
- More structured
- Less casual
Examples
- “I’m joining the meeting.” → “Me as well.”
- “I prefer tea.” → “Me as well.”
- “I’ll be attending the workshop.” → “Me as well.”
When Native Speakers Use “Me as Well”
People choose “Me as well” when they want:
- A more formal tone
- A smoother expression in writing
- A polite reply
- A less casual alternative to “me too”
It works better in:
- Professional emails
- Work presentations
- Meetings
- Interviews
- Formal conversations
“Me Too” vs “Me as Well”
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Me Too | Me as Well |
|---|---|---|
| Commonness | Very common | Less common |
| Tone | Casual | Semi-formal |
| Grammar | Correct | Correct |
| Spoken English | Most natural | Sounds polite or refined |
| Writing | Casual writing | Better for formal writing |
Example Comparison
- Casual: “I love the idea.” → “Me too!”
- Semi-formal: “I appreciate your perspective.” → “Me as well.”
“I as Well”: Why It’s Considered Incorrect
“I as well” looks formal, but this is where many learners get tricked. It feels correct because “I” sounds formal. But English doesn’t work this way.
The Core Grammar Problem
“I” is a subject pronoun.
“As well” requires a verb before it.
So saying:
“I as well”
…is like saying:
“I also”
(with no verb after it)
This leaves the sentence incomplete.
Why Learners Use “I as Well”
Many learners misunderstand:
- Formal tone
- Pronoun rules
- Sentence structures
They think:
“Me too” = casual
“Me as well” = formal
“I as well” = even more formal
But the last one is grammatically incorrect.
Correct Alternatives to “I as Well”
To fix the structure, simply match the verb from the original sentence.
If the speaker uses “am”
- “I’m excited.” → “I am as well.”
If the speaker uses “do”
- “I love reading.” → “I do as well.”
If the speaker uses “will”
- “I’ll attend the meeting.” → “I will as well.”
If the speaker uses “can”
- “I can help.” → “I can as well.”
If the speaker uses “have”
- “I have finished the task.” → “I have as well.”
Rule:
Repeat the auxiliary verb → Add “as well”
This keeps the grammar clean and correct.
Popularity Comparison: Me as Well vs I as Well
| Expression | Correct? | Native Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Me too | Yes | Extremely common | Best for speech |
| Me as well | Yes | Less common | Good formal alternative |
| I as well | ❌ No | Rare / incorrect | Must be followed by a verb |
Case Studies: Real-Life Usage
Let’s look at short case studies to see how people use these expressions.
Case Study 1: Workplace Email
Email:
“We’ll start the project on Monday.”
Incorrect:
“I as well.”
Correct:
“I will as well.”
(or)
“Me as well.”
Why? The email is semi-formal so “me too” may feel overly casual.
Case Study 2: Casual Conversation
Friend: “I miss home.”
You: “Me too.”
Why not “me as well”?
Because it feels too formal for emotional, casual speech.
Case Study 3: Professional Meeting
Colleague: “I’m joining the client call.”
You: “I am as well.”
(or)
“Me as well.”
Both are polite, clear, and professional.
Case Study 4: Social Media Post
Post: “I love summer evenings.”
Comment: “Me too!”
Social platforms lean casual, so “me too” wins.
Case Study 5: Classroom Interaction
Student: “I finished the assignment.”
Teacher: “I have as well.”
This uses proper grammar and mirrors the verb “have.”
Comparison Table: Me Too vs Me as Well vs I as Well
| Feature | Me Too | Me as Well | I as Well |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grammar | Correct | Correct | Incorrect without verb |
| Tone | Casual | Semi-formal | Awkward / incorrect |
| Frequency | Very high | Medium | Extremely low |
| Spoken English | Excellent | Acceptable | Rare |
| Writing | Casual texts | Emails, essays | Not used |
| Standalone | Yes | Yes | No |
| Best Use | Everyday conversation | Polite responses | Only with a verb |
How to Choose the Right Expression
Choosing the right expression becomes easy once you know these rules:
Use “Me too” when:
- You’re speaking casually
- You want a quick reply
- You’re texting, chatting, or joking
Use “Me as well” when:
- You’re writing emails
- You need a polite tone
- You want a refined alternative
Avoid “I as well” unless:
- You add a verb → “I am as well,” “I do as well”
Quick rule of thumb:
- Casual = Me too
- Semi-formal = Me as well
- Formal grammar match = I + verb + as well
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Me too” grammatically correct?
Yes. It’s informal but fully correct and widely used by native speakers.
Is “Me as well” proper English?
Yes. It’s correct, polite, and slightly more formal than “me too.”
Why is “I as well” incorrect?
Because “I” is a subject pronoun and must be followed by a verb. Without a verb, the sentence is incomplete.
What can I use instead of “I as well”?
Match the verb in the original sentence: I am as well, I do as well, I can as well, etc.
Which is more common: “Me too” or “Me as well”?
“Me too” is far more common in spoken English. “Me as well” is more common in writing.
Conclusion
When you understand how English pronouns and tones work, choosing between “Me too,” “Me as well,” and “I as well” becomes effortless.
Here’s the simplest breakdown:
- “Me too” → perfect for everyday talk
- “Me as well” → polished and polite
- “I as well” → only correct when paired with a verb
Each expression has a clear place in natural English. Use this guide as a tool to help you sound confident, natural, and grammatically accurate in any situation. With practice you’ll choose the right phrase without even thinking.
Aiden Brooks is an educational writer dedicated to simplifying grammar for learners of all levels. He creates clear, practical explanations that help students read, write, and understand English with confidence.
