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Frequently Asked Questions


Grammar


Which is correct: 'my friend and me' or 'my friend and I'?

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.


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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'?
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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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