I vs Me: Subject vs Object

The "Remove the Other Person" Trick

Quick Answer

I = subject (does the action). Me = object (receives the action).

Magic trick: Remove the other person. "John and I went" → "I went" ✓. "Give it to John and me" → "Give it to me" ✓.

When to Use "I" (Subject)

I is the subject—the one DOING the action.

  • I went to the store. → I do the action ✓
  • John and I are friends. → I am (subject) ✓
  • I love pizza. → I do the loving ✓
  • She and I talked. → I talked ✓
  • I will help you. → I will do it ✓

When to Use "Me" (Object)

Me is the object—the one RECEIVING the action.

  • Give it to me. → I receive it ✓
  • She called me. → I was called ✓
  • Between you and me. → object of preposition ✓
  • Join me for dinner. → I receive the invitation ✓
  • He told me the news. → I received the news ✓

Comparison Chart

Pronoun Role Test Example
I Subject (does action) Who is doing? "I wrote the email."
Me Object (receives action) Who receives? "Send it to me."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"Me and John went to the store."

✓ Correct:

"John and I went to the store."

Why? Remove John: "I went" ✓, not "Me went" ✗. Also, put yourself last (politeness).
❌ Incorrect:

"Give it to John and I."

✓ Correct:

"Give it to John and me."

Why? Remove John: "Give it to me" ✓, not "Give it to I" ✗.
❌ Incorrect:

"Between you and I..."

✓ Correct:

"Between you and me..."

Why? "Between" is a preposition—needs object pronouns (me).
❌ Incorrect:

"Him and me went shopping."

✓ Correct:

"He and I went shopping."

Why? Both are subjects. "He went" ✓. "I went" ✓.

Quick Tips

💡 Remove the Other Person

Take out "John and" or "Sarah and." Does it still sound right? That's your answer.

✅ Be Polite

Put yourself last: "John and I" not "I and John." "You and me" not "Me and you."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do people say "between you and I"?

Overcorrection! People think "I" sounds more proper. But after prepositions (between, for, to, with), use "me."

What about "It's me" vs "It is I"?

"It's me" is standard in modern English. "It is I" is technically correct but sounds archaic/formal.

Is "Me too" correct?

Yes! "Me too" is a shortened form of "It applies to me too." Perfectly acceptable.

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