In this Corner

The two contenders — I and me — are ready to come out fighting. I’d better referee.

It’s a problem.

When do I put me into a sentence?

There is a solution.

It works like this.

1. I and me are pronouns.

2. They’re called first person pronouns because they name the person who is speaking or writing — I am speaking about me.

3. When the pronoun is the subject or the doer of the action, use I.
I like you.
Ann and I need links.
I want you to send money.
Test the sentence that uses “Ann and I” by taking out the other person.
I need links.

4. When the pronoun is the object or receiver of the action, use me.
You like me.
The project team applauded Cat and me.
You gave me the money I needed.

5. When the pronoun comes after a preposition, use the object form.
to me
for Cat and me
with Ann and me
Test the sentence that uses “Cat and me” by taking out the other person.
for me
with me

6. When the verb is a form of “to be,” such is, are, or was use the subject form on both sides.
It is I.
I am woe.
The winners are Cat and I.
The leads are Ann and I.
Where was I?
This is the one that makes everyone get all of the other ones wrong. If you know this is the exception, you’re fine.

7. The rules work the same for he and him; she and her; they and them.

I will now be leaving the ring. Match settled without a punch between I and me.

Any questions?

–ME “Liz” Strauss
If you think Liz can help you with your writing, check out the Work with Liz!! page in the sidebar.