Me or I: When to Use Each (2024)

Me or I: When to Use Each (1)

The English language is full of grammar rules. It can be pretty easy to forget some of them. Understanding the difference in how to use personal pronouns is a good place to start if you want to improve the readability of your work.

In this article, we'll look at whether to choose "I" or "me" so all your sentences can be clear.

But let's start with a little ground work.

Contents:

  1. "When Should I Use "I" or "Me"?"
  2. How Do I Use "Me" and "I" in a Sentence?
  3. Is It Jane and Me or Jane and I?
  4. How Do I Remember When To Use "I" and "Me"?
  5. Can I Use "Me" Instead of "I" in Speech?

"When Should I Use "I" or "Me"?"

"I" and "me" are first-person personal pronouns that we use to refer to ourselves.

A personal pronoun is a word used as a substitute for someone's name.

Simply put, this means you should use "I" or "me" in a sentence as a substitute for your name when you are talking about yourself.

Here are some examples:

  • Correct: I am feeling happy today.

  • Incorrect: [Your name] am feeling happy today.

  • Correct: That sounds good to me!

  • Incorrect: That sounds good to [your name]!

But how do you know whether to use "me" or "I" when you're referring to yourself? It's all to do with your role in the sentence.

What Is a Personal Pronoun?

Before we jump in to "I" vs. "Me", let's take a quick look at what personal pronouns are and what they do in sentences.

Personal pronouns are short words used in place of the name of a person or thing. They include:

  • I
  • Me
  • You
  • We
  • Us
  • He
  • She
  • Him
  • Her
  • They
  • Them
  • It

So instead of this repetitive sentence:

Sarah drove Sarah's car to Sarah's house.

We can write:

Sarah drove her car to her house.

Me or I: When to Use Each (2)

How Do I Use "Me" and "I" in a Sentence?

Every word has a function in a sentence. There are many different functions, but "I" and "me" each only have one.

  • "I" is always the subject of the sentence: the person or thing doing the action.

e.g. I passed the note to Elena.

You are the one doing the passing (completing the action), so you use "I".

  • "Me" is always the object of the sentence: the person or thing the action is being done to.

e.g. Elena passed me a note.

You are having something passed to you (the object of the action), so you use "Me".

So, your first step when choosing whether to use "I" or "me" is to work out if you are doing the action or being acted on.

Me or I: When to Use Each (3)

Is It Jane and Me or Jane and I?

The subject/object rules from above still apply, even when you are referring to multiple people.

If you want to refer to yourself and another person (or several other people) as the subject(s) of the sentence—the people completing an action—you should use "I". It gets easier with examples:

Correct: Jane and I went to the store to get more groceries.

Both you and Jane are completing the action here—you are the subjects of the sentence. So, like before, you refer to yourself with "I".

Incorrect: Jane and me went to the store to get more groceries.

But if you want to refer to yourself and another person (or several other people) as the object(s) of the sentence—the people being acted on—you should use "me".

Correct: Claire served the meal to Sophie and me.

Claire is the subject of this sentence (the one completing the action) and you and Sophie are the indirect objects (the ones receiving Claire's action). So you should use "me".

Incorrect: Claire served the meal to Sophie and I.

Is it "John and I" or "I and John"?

The next thing to remember, is that "I" always comes last with multiple subjects. (It's "John and I", not "I and John".)

Correct: John and Iwent to the store.

Incorrect: I and Johnwent to the store.

You should still use "I" (and "I" still always comes last in the sequence), even if there is more than one other subject:

  • Correct: Jane, John, and I went to the store to get more dog food.
  • Incorrect: I, Jane, and John went to the store to get more dog food.
  • Incorrect: Jane, John, and me went to the store to get more dog food.
  • Incorrect: Me, Jane, and John went to the store to get more dog food.

Me or I: When to Use Each (4)

Is it "John and Me" or "Me and John"?

The same rules apply to sequencing when "me" is the object of a sentence. So, "me" always comes last with multiple objects.

  • Correct: Clarissa cooked dinner for John and me.
  • Incorrect: Clarissa cooked dinner for me and John.
  • Incorrect: Clarrisa cooked dinner for John and I.
  • Incorrect: Clarrisa cooked dinner for I and John.

Even with multiple people as the sentence object, "me" still comes last in the sequence.

  • Correct: Clarrisa cooked dinner for Oscar, John, and me.

  • Incorrect: Clarissa cooked dinner for me, Oscar, and John.

  • Incorrect: Clarrisa cooked dinner for I, Oscar, and John.

  • Incorrect: Clarissa cooked dinner for Oscar, John, and I.

How Do I Remember When To Use "I" and "Me"?

If you are a native English speaker, you can use your ear to help you figure out which is the right pronoun in cases of multiple persons.

When determining the subject, leave out the other people to help you figure out which is correct:

  • Correct: I went to the store...
  • Incorrect: Me went to the store...

Likewise, when determining the object, leave out the other people:

  • Correct: Clarissa cooked dinner for me...
  • Incorrect: Clarissa cooked dinner for I...
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Do I Use "I" After or Before a Verb?

"I" is used before the verb, while"me" is almost always used after the verb.

There are a few instances where "I" comes after the verb. This happens with verbs such as:

  • am
  • are
  • is
  • was
  • were
  • appeared
  • seemed

Correct: It is I who needs the extra water.

Incorrect: It is me who needs the extra water.

Correct: It seems I am to blame.

Incorrect: It seems me am to blame.

Can I Use "Me" Instead of "I" in Speech?

Common speech can sound right to the ear, even when the grammar is wrong. In certain cases, you may want to save the correct pronoun for writing. The best example is the answer to the question, Who is it?

Me or I: When to Use Each (6)

In common speech, we often hear It's me (It is me) and think nothing of hearing that.

But correct grammar with the state-of-being verb is takes the subject pronoun. In writing with correct grammar, you say, It is I.

Your friends may think your language is a bit stiff if you use correct grammar in everyday speech, but at least you'll be correct.

We know this a lot to take in all at once. And while you can always bookmark this article as a good reference point, that's not the only resource you have.

ProWritingAid has over 20 reports, with the grammar checker being your go to to see if you're using the right pronoun. You'll see a notice with suggestions if your pronoun use needs improvement.

Download our free browser extension to make sure you use the correct pronoun wherever you write.

Me or I: When to Use Each (7)

Is It "Between You and Me" or "Between You and I"?

It's between you and me. That's because "you" and "me" are the objects of the word "between" in this phrase.

Between is a preposition. If you are referring to yourself after a preposition, you should always use me. Here are some common prepositions to help you out:

  • above
  • across
  • against
  • along
  • among
  • around
  • at
  • before
  • behind
  • below
  • beneath
  • beside
  • between
  • by
  • down
  • from
  • in
  • into
  • near
  • of
  • off
  • on
  • to
  • toward
  • under
  • upon
  • with
  • within

Me or I: When to Use Each (8)

Here are some examples to help you with "me" as the object of a preposition:

  • Correct: The spelling competition was now between Jim and me.

  • Incorrect: The spelling competition was now between Jim and I.

  • Correct: The association letter about the new AED (automated external defibrillator) in the clubhouse was from Marcia and me.

  • Incorrect: The association letter about the new AED (automated external defibrillator) in the clubhouse was from Marcia and I.

  • Correct: When the instructor asked answers from the break-out groups, my group with Jerry, Linda, George, and me had the best answers.

  • Incorrect: When the instructor asked answers from the break-out groups, my group with Jerry, Linda, George, and I had the best answers.

Is It "Taller Than Me" or "Taller Than I"?

One place where "me" and "I" are often confused is in comparisons. That's usually because a verb is left off the end of the sentence.

Here's an example:

  • Correct: John is taller than I am.

In speech you might say:

  • John is taller than I.

While the verb am is left out of the sentence, it's still grammatically correct.

  • Incorrect: John is taller than me.

  • Correct: I think she is smarter than I am.

  • Incorrect: I think she is smarter than me.

Master First-Person Personal Pronouns

Remember: The easiest way to remember the difference between "me" and "I" in writing is to work out if you are completing or receiving the action in the sentence.

  • Use "I" for the sentence subject taking the action.
  • Use "me" as the object of a sentence (or after a preposition).

That was a lot of grammar rules. Now have some fun with Me, Myself, and I from De La Soul.

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Me or I: When to Use Each (2024)

FAQs

What is the rule for using I or me? ›

Sometimes it can be tricky to determine if you should be using "me" or "I" in a sentence. Use the pronoun "I" when the person speaking is doing the action, either alone or with someone else. Use the pronoun "me" when the person speaking is receiving the action of the verb in some way, either directly or indirectly.

Which is correct Pam and I or Pam and me? ›

Even native English speakers often get this wrong. The very same rules that we have already learned apply. If the people are the subject of the verb, you should use I. If the people are the objects of the verb, me is correct.

Is it Jill and I or Jill and me? ›

Therefore, the subject pronoun, I, is considered correct. You will certainly hear native speakers say, “Jenny and me,” and it may be acceptable in spoken English, but most traditional grammarians and English teachers will disapprove. Don't use it in writing.

Is it correct to say John and me or John and I? ›

Both John and I and John and me are grammatically correct. John and I starts a sentence, and it is used when the speaker is the subject of the sentence. John and me ends a sentence, and it is used when the speaker is the object of a sentence.

What is an example of I and me? ›

Both words are pronouns, but I is a subject pronoun while me is an object pronoun. So, in the sentence, “She and I went to the store,” the correct word to use would be I rather than me.

What's the difference between I and me? ›

The pronoun 'I' is used as a subject i.e., the person behind the action in a sentence. The word 'me' is used as an object pronoun in any sentence. It is used as a Pronoun.

Which is correct Sally and me or Sally and I? ›

The important part of that lesson was being polite, not using good grammar. But you need to know that you should say "Sally and I" ONLY when you need the subject of a sentence or phrase. If the words "Sally and I" are serving as the object of a phrase, then you need to switch to "Sally and me."

Do you say my Mom and I or my Mom and me? ›

However, if you are trying to choose between "Mom and I" and "Mom and me" for the caption of a picture, and you are not using a complete sentence, you can use either one. They are both fine.

Which is correct Bob and me or Bob and I? ›

Use "I" when it is the subject of the sentence and use "me" when it is the object of the sentence. The correct statement is "Happy Birthday from Bob and me." The phrase "Bob and me" is the object of the preposition "from" so you should use the object pronoun "me."

What is correct me and Tom or Tom and I? ›

Adding “Tom and” may confuse some people, but it doesn't change anything. You still use a subject pronoun like “I” if it's working together with “Tom and” as a subject. You still use an object pronoun like “me” if it's the object of a transitive verb or the object of a preposition.

Which is correct Jim and me or Jim and I? ›

In the sentence, “Jim asked Tim and me to go fishing,” “me” is correct because you wouldn't say, “Jim asked I to go fishing.” On the other hand, “Tina and I went to the mall” is correct because you wouldn't say, “Me went to the mall.”

Which is correct Molly and Me or Molly and I? ›

I is a subject pronoun, while me is an object pronoun, so I is the grammatically correct choice.

Can I say my friend and me? ›

If you use it as the subject then it is "my friend and I". For example: My friend and I are going to the movies tonight. If you use it as the object then it is "my friend and me". For example: Sarah invited my friend and me to the her barbecue next week.

Which is correct Amy and me or Amy and I? ›

"Amy and me are going to the fair?" or "Amy and I are going to the fair?" If it was just you, you wouldn't say, "Me am going to the fair," you'd say "I am going to the fair." Therefore, "Amy and I are going to the fair."

Which is correct Anna and me or Anna and I? ›

The short answer is that “Julie plans to travel this summer with Anna and me” is correct.

How do you use I in a sentence? ›

We use I when it is the subject of the sentence – the person doing the action. ✔ Sally and I went to the movies. Me (and us, him, her, you, and them) are also pronouns but they substitute for the object of the verb. They are classed as object pronouns as they are the object or receiver of the action.

What is the difference between I and Me essay? ›

When to use I or me: is it the subject or the object? The easy way to work out the correct grammar use of I or me in your essay writing is just to check whether the pronoun is the subject of the sentence or the object. If it is the subject, you use I. If it is the object, you use me.

Do you use me or I after a preposition? ›

The short answer is that the speaker is using the subjective pronoun I after a preposition, rather than the objective me, and modern English grammar dictates that pronouns that follow a preposition such as between should be objective ones (me, you, us, him/her, it, them).

Can you say John and me? ›

It is formally correct to say 'with John and me' or 'with me and John', but the first one is the preferred style in print or in school (as Peter and John said). 'with me and John' sounds informal because of this style choice.

Do you say me and Emily or Emily and I? ›

"Me" is the correct choice. So here is the rule to remember: Adding additional people to the sentence never changes whether you should use “I” or “me.” The professor gave me great advice.

Is it Henry and I or Henry and me? ›

Henry & Me is a 2014 American animated drama film directed by Barrett Esposito and written by David I. Stern. The film stars Richard Gere, Chazz Palminteri, Danny Aiello, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Austin Williams, Lucie Arnaz and Hank Steinbrenner.

Which is correct Nancy and me or Nancy and I? ›

Nancy is the subject who is taking you to the park and applying an action on you. “I” is the subject of a sentence, while “me” is the object. Although this seems like such a simple rule, many people tend to overlook it. The corrected version of this sentence would be, “Nancy took Wesley and me to the amusem*nt park.”

Do you say me and my husband or my husband and I? ›

The question of whether to say or write "my husband and I" or "I and my husband" is not a matter of grammar but one of modesty or politeness. It is usually considered good form not to put oneself first.

Is it me and my teacher or my teacher and I? ›

The correct choice is 'me' because 'Terry and me' is the object of the verb 'told' and 'me' is the object pronoun: My teacher told Terry and me to collect the books. Use 'I' when it is the subject of the verb, as in 'Terry and I told the teacher to collect the books.

Do you say me and my brother or my brother and me? ›

Let's move closer to the question asked in the topic of this lesson: My brother and me or me and my brother. By now, you should be able to boldly say that the correct expression is my brother and me.

Is it Susan and I or Susan and me? ›

But the notion that there is something wrong with “me” leads people to overcorrect and avoid it where it is perfectly appropriate. People will say “The document had to be signed by both Susan and I” when the correct statement would be, “The document had to be signed by both Susan and me.”

What is correct Peter and me or Peter and I? ›

If it is the object of the sentence it should be "Peter and me": Join Peter and me. She gave it to Peter and me. If it is the subject of the sentence, the it will be Peter and I: Peter and I would like to thank you ...

What is correct your dad and I or your dad and me? ›

A very simple answer: If you are using as Subject, it will be: "My father and I", and if you are using as an Object, it will be: "My father and me".

Which is correct me and my friend? ›

The sentence should be "My aunt invited my friend and me to dinner." The first person singular pronoun "I" is used when it is the subject of a verb. The first person singular pronoun "me" is used when it is the object of a verb or preposition.

Is it Kathy and me or Kathy and I? ›

Use "I" when it is the subject of the sentence and use "me" when it is the object of the sentence.

Which is correct my mum and me or my mum and I? ›

However, if you are trying to choose between "Mom and I" and "Mom and me" for the caption of a picture, and you are not using a complete sentence, you can use either one. They are both fine. I hope this helps.

Is it correct to say Jane and I or Jane and me? ›

If this is how you are interpreting the caption, then either one is acceptable. "Jane and I" sounds more formal than "Jane and me," but "Jane and me" is the more common choice.

Do you say Chris and me or Chris and I? ›

You should always use "I" as the subject in formal or professional writing, and when speaking in formal or professional situations. However, very often people use the construction "me and Chris" in subject position in casual speech, and this is fine.

Which is correct Bob and I or Bob and me? ›

If the phrase is the subject, then “Bob and I” is correct. If the phrase is an object, then “Bob and me” is correct. Grammatically speaking, “me and Bob” could be used as an object, but it is considered rude to name oneself first, so “Bob and me” is preferred on the basis of etiquette.

Which is correct Susie and me or Susie and I? ›

"I" should be used because it's the correct choice when it comes to subjects. It can also be helpful to consider the position of the word in the sentence. "I" is used before the verb, while "me" is almost always used after the verb (the exception being the predicate nominative).

Which is correct Diane and I or Diane and me? ›

That should be "Ann and me." I and me are personal pronouns. We use the personal pronoun I (a subject pronoun) when referring to a subject (the doer of action); use me (an object pronoun) when referring to the object of an action.

What is correct I and my friend? ›

"My friend and I" is correct. However, colloquial speech (where grammar rules are often broken), "my friend and me" is sometimes used. I do find that "My friend and I" is easier to say than "my friend and me".

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