Frequently Asked Questions
Grammar
Which is correct: 'my friend and me' or 'my friend and I'? |
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That depends on where you and your friend are
in the sentence. In colloquial speech 'me' is often used where standard grammar
requires 'I', especially when someone else is mentioned too. Sometimes people
use 'I' instead of 'me', because they know 'me' is sometimes wrong, but have
not understood the principle. (Others resort to 'myself', which can sound rather
pompous.)
I am the subject of the sentence, but the object of the sentence
is me.
If in doubt, take your friend out of the sentence.
Me and my friend went to a party last night. [Wrong]
I and my friend went to a party last night.
My friend and me went to a party last night. [Wrong]
My friend and I went to a party last night.
The mayor has invited me and my husband.
The mayor has invited I and my husband. [Wrong]
The mayor has invited my husband and me.
The mayor has invited my husband and I. [Wrong]
Incidentally, saying 'my friend and I' instead of 'I and my friend' is not better
grammar, it's just being polite.
Other questions in this section:How do I know when to put an apostrophe in it's?
If someone is doing a master's degree in the arts is it an MA or a MA?
In the sentence 'It is raining' what is 'it'?
Is 'agenda' singular or plural?
Is 'data' singular or plural?
Is it acceptable to use 'they' instead of 'he' or 'she'?
Should I use a singular or a plural verb with collective nouns such as 'government', 'committee', and 'family'?
Should I write 'a number of people is' or 'a number of people are'?
What are the plurals of 'octopus', 'hippopotamus', 'syllabus'?
What is a split infinitive, and why should I avoid using one?
What is the word for 'the whole is greater than the sum of the parts'?
When should I use 'less', and when should I use 'fewer'?
Which is correct: 'a hotel' or 'an hotel'?
Which is correct: 'a person was laid on the table' or 'a person was lain on the table'?
Which is correct: 'my friend and me' or 'my friend and I'?
Which is the correct spelling: 'oriented' or 'orientated'?
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