Dearest Reader,
Is there anything quite as delightfully perplexing as the English language?
Among its many quirks, in a video this week▶️ I explored the ever-so-troublesome choice between “and I” and “and me.”
Some people had more questions as a result of this video, so let us address any concerns.
The Art of Choosing Between “And I” and “And Me”:
Imagine yourself at a dinner party, surrounded by the most sophisticated company. The conversation is flowing, and then suddenly, you find yourself at a crossroads: “Do I say ‘and I’ or ‘and me’?”
Fear not! Here’s a little trick that will ensure you never stumble over this conundrum again.
💡 The Simple Trick
When you’re unsure whether to use “and I” or “and me,” simply cover up or mentally delete the other person’s name and the word “and.” Then, see if the sentence still makes sense.*
- *You may have to alter the verb to agree with the amount of subject also. See examples below.
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Examples to savour:
1. They invited Charlotte and I to the gala.
- Remove “Charlotte and”: They invited I to the gala.
- Result: A bit jarring, isn’t it? The correct choice is “and me” because They invited me to the gala sounds just right.
2. The professor praised James and I for our presentation.
- Remove “James and”: The professor praised I for our presentation.
- Result: Not quite. The proper choice here is “and me,” as in The professor praised me for our presentation.
3. Samantha and I are hosting the soirée.
- Remove “Samantha and”: I am hosting the soirée.
- Result: Perfect! No need to change a thing here—”and I” is indeed correct.
4. The promotion was given to Marcus and I.
- Remove “Marcus and”: The promotion was given to I.
- Result: Oops! The right choice is “and me”—The promotion was given to me.
🎩 Notes for Refinement:
Remember, “I” is a subject pronoun, and “me” is an object pronoun. Use “and I” when you’re the subject of the sentence, and “and me” when you’re the object.
Another helpful way to remember this rule: "...and I" goes before the verb and "...and me" goes after the verb. For example:
- Before the verb: James and I shared Sarah's food.
- After the verb: Sarah shared her food with James and me.
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Test your knowledge:
Now, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Fill in the blanks with either “and I” or “and me”:
- The committee appointed Sarah __ to lead the discussion.
- Julia __ went to the theatre last night.
- The invitation was sent to Mark __.
- Between you __, this is our little secret.
- David __ have been friends for years.
- The teacher asked Lisa __ to stay after class.
The answers are further below.
Answers:
- and me (Object)
- and I (Subject)
- and me (Object)
- and me (Object)
- and I (Subject)
- and me (Object)
As you can see, once you master this simple technique, you’ll glide through your sentences with the elegance of a well-chosen wine.
Here’s to never making that mistake again!
Very best,
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Thomas
British Pronunciation & English Coach
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P.S. Want to refine your accent? Get 50% off my signature pronunciation course for the next 4 days!
