When To Use I Me Or Myself

Using "I," "me," and "myself" correctly can make your writing clearer and more professional. Many people find these pronouns confusing, but understanding the simple rules governing their use can greatly improve your grammar. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on when to use "I," "me," and "myself," complete with examples and explanations to help you master these tricky pronouns.

Introduction

The English language has several pronouns that can be confusing, especially when it comes to reflexive and personal pronouns. Among these, "I," "me," and "myself" are frequently misused. Knowing when to use each one is essential for clear and correct writing. "I" is a subjective pronoun, "me" is an objective pronoun, and "myself" is a reflexive or intensive pronoun. Each has specific roles in sentences, and using them correctly can enhance your writing's clarity and professionalism.

Understanding Pronouns: I, Me, and Myself

Before diving into specific scenarios, let’s define each pronoun:

• I: This is a subjective pronoun. It is used when the pronoun is the subject of the sentence, meaning it performs the action.
• Me: This is an objective pronoun. It is used when the pronoun is the object of the verb or the object of a preposition.
• Myself: This is a reflexive or intensive pronoun. It is used when the subject and object of the verb are the same person (reflexive) or to emphasize the subject (intensive).

When to Use "I"

Use "I" when the pronoun is the subject of a verb. In other words, "I" is used when you are performing the action in the sentence.

Examples of "I" as the Subject

1. I went to the store.

   • In this sentence, "I" am performing the action of going to the store. Therefore, "I" is the subject of the verb "went."

2. I enjoy reading books in my free time.

   • Here, "I" am the one who enjoys reading. "I" is the subject performing the action of enjoying.

3. After careful consideration, I decided to accept the job offer.

   • "I" am the subject who decided to accept the offer.

4. I believe that perseverance leads to success.

   • In this case, "I" am the one who believes. Thus, "I" is the subject of the verb "believe."

5. Every morning, I drink a cup of coffee.

   • "I" am performing the action of drinking coffee. "I" is the subject of the verb "drink."

Compound Subjects

When using "I" in a compound subject (a subject made up of two or more nouns or pronouns), make sure that "I" is still functioning as the subject of the verb. A common mistake is using "me" instead of "I" in these cases.

1. John and I are going to the concert.

   • In this sentence, both John and "I" are performing the action of going to the concert. To check if "I" is correct, try removing "John." The sentence becomes "I am going to the concert," which is grammatically correct.

2. My sister and I planned a surprise party for our mother.

   • Here, both my sister and "I" planned the party. If you remove "My sister," the sentence reads "I planned a surprise party for our mother," which is correct.

3. My best friend and I often study together at the library.

   • Both my friend and "I" study together. Without "My best friend," the sentence is "I often study together at the library," which is correct.

4. The teacher and I organized the school fair.

   • The teacher and "I" both organized the fair. If you remove "The teacher," the sentence is "I organized the school fair," which is correct.

5. My parents and I are taking a vacation next month.

   • My parents and "I" are taking a vacation. Without "My parents," the sentence reads "I am taking a vacation next month," which is correct.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect: My friend and me went to the park.

• Correct: My friend and I went to the park.

  • The correct sentence uses "I" because "my friend and I" are the subjects of the verb "went."

• Incorrect: Me and him are working on a project.

• Correct: He and I are working on a project.

  • "He and I" are the subjects performing the action of working.

When to Use "Me"

Use "me" when the pronoun is the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. In other words, "me" receives the action or is acted upon.

Examples of "Me" as the Object of a Verb

1. The teacher asked me a question.

   • In this sentence, "me" is the object of the verb "asked." The teacher performed the action, and "me" received it.

2. She gave me a book for my birthday.

   • Here, "me" is the recipient of the book, making it the object of the verb "gave."

3. The dog bit me.

   • In this case, "me" is the one being bitten, so "me" is the object of the verb "bit."

4. He told me a funny story.

   • "Me" is the recipient of the story, making it the object of the verb "told."

5. The movie surprised me.

   • "Me" is the one being surprised, so "me" is the object of the verb "surprised."

Examples of "Me" as the Object of a Preposition

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence (e.g., to, from, with, for, at, by). When "me" follows a preposition, it is the object of that preposition.

1. The gift is for me.

   • "Me" is the object of the preposition "for." The gift is intended for me.

2. She went to the party with me.

   • Here, "me" is the object of the preposition "with." She went to the party accompanied by me.

3. He sat beside me during the movie.

   • "Me" is the object of the preposition "beside." He sat next to me.

4. The letter was addressed to me.

   • "Me" is the object of the preposition "to." The letter was intended for me.

5. They are angry at me.

   • "Me" is the object of the preposition "at." The anger is directed towards me.

Compound Objects

When using "me" in a compound object, ensure that "me" is still functioning as the object of the verb or preposition. Again, a common mistake is using "I" instead of "me" in these cases.

1. The teacher asked John and me a question.

   • In this sentence, both John and "me" are objects of the verb "asked." To check if "me" is correct, remove "John." The sentence becomes "The teacher asked me a question," which is grammatically correct.

2. She gave my sister and me books for our birthdays.

   • Here, both my sister and "me" are recipients of the books. If you remove "My sister," the sentence reads "She gave me a book for my birthday," which is correct.

3. The dog bit my neighbor and me.

   • Both my neighbor and "me" were bitten. Without "My neighbor," the sentence is "The dog bit me," which is correct.

4. He told my friend and me a funny story.

   • My friend and "me" are the recipients of the story. If you remove "My friend," the sentence is "He told me a funny story," which is correct.

5. The movie surprised my parents and me.

   • My parents and "me" were surprised. Without "My parents," the sentence reads "The movie surprised me," which is correct.

6. The gift is for John and me.

   • "Me" is the object of the preposition "for." To check, remove "John." The sentence becomes "The gift is for me," which is grammatically correct.

7. She went to the party with my brother and me.

   • Here, "me" is the object of the preposition "with." If you remove "My brother," the sentence reads "She went to the party with me," which is correct.

8. He sat beside my colleague and me during the movie.

   • "Me" is the object of the preposition "beside." Without "My colleague," the sentence is "He sat beside me during the movie," which is correct.

9. The letter was addressed to my aunt and me.

   • "Me" is the object of the preposition "to." If you remove "My aunt," the sentence reads "The letter was addressed to me," which is correct.

10. They are angry at my cousin and me.

    • "Me" is the object of the preposition "at." Without "My cousin," the sentence reads "They are angry at me," which is correct.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect: The teacher asked John and I a question.

• Correct: The teacher asked John and me a question.

  • The correct sentence uses "me" because "John and me" are the objects of the verb "asked."

• Incorrect: She gave my sister and I books for our birthdays.

• Correct: She gave my sister and me books for our birthdays.

  • "My sister and me" are the recipients of the books, making them the objects of the verb "gave."

When to Use "Myself"

"Myself" is a reflexive or intensive pronoun. It should be used when the subject and the object of the verb are the same person (reflexive) or to emphasize the subject (intensive).

Reflexive Use

In reflexive use, "myself" refers back to the subject of the sentence because the subject is also the receiver of the action.

1. I hurt myself.

   • In this sentence, "I" am both the one performing the action (hurting) and the one receiving it. Therefore, "myself" is used because the action reflects back on the subject.

2. I made myself a cup of tea.

   • Here, "I" am both the maker and the receiver of the tea. The action reflects back on the subject.

3. I taught myself how to play the guitar.

   • In this case, "I" am both the teacher and the student. The action of teaching reflects back on the subject.

4. I blamed myself for the mistake.

   • "I" am both the one blaming and the one being blamed. The action reflects back on the subject.

5. I consider myself lucky.

   • "I" am the one considering and the one being considered lucky. The action reflects back on the subject.

Intensive Use

In intensive use, "myself" emphasizes the subject of the sentence. Removing "myself" will not change the meaning of the sentence, but it will lessen the emphasis.

1. I myself saw the accident.

   • Here, "myself" emphasizes that I was the one who saw the accident. The sentence still makes sense without "myself" ("I saw the accident"), but the emphasis is lost.

2. I will do it myself.

   • "Myself" emphasizes that I will do it, not someone else. The sentence still works without "myself" ("I will do it"), but the emphasis is gone.

3. I myself baked the cake.

   • "Myself" emphasizes that I was the one who baked the cake. The sentence still makes sense without "myself" ("I baked the cake"), but the emphasis is lost.

4. I myself witnessed the event.

   • "Myself" emphasizes that I was the one who witnessed the event. The sentence still works without "myself" ("I witnessed the event"), but the emphasis is gone.

5. I myself will take care of the arrangements.

   • "Myself" emphasizes that I will handle the arrangements personally. The sentence still makes sense without "myself" ("I will take care of the arrangements"), but the emphasis is lost.

When Not to Use "Myself"

A common mistake is using "myself" in place of "I" or "me" when it is not functioning as a reflexive or intensive pronoun.

1. Incorrect: My friend and myself went to the movies.

2. Correct: My friend and I went to the movies.

   • "Myself" should not be used here because it is not reflexive or intensive. "I" is the correct subject pronoun.

3. Incorrect: The gift is for my parents and myself.

4. Correct: The gift is for my parents and me.

   • "Myself" should not be used here because it is not reflexive or intensive. "Me" is the correct object pronoun.

5. Incorrect: Please contact John or myself for assistance.

6. Correct: Please contact John or me for assistance.

   • "Myself" should not be used here because it is not reflexive or intensive. "Me" is the correct object pronoun.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect: Myself and my sister are planning a trip.

• Correct: My sister and I are planning a trip.

  • "I" is the correct subjective pronoun in this case.

• Incorrect: The teacher asked myself and him to stay after class.

• Correct: The teacher asked him and me to stay after class.

  • "Me" is the correct objective pronoun here.

Quick Tips for Remembering When to Use I, Me, and Myself

1. Is the pronoun the subject of the sentence? If yes, use "I."
2. Is the pronoun the object of the verb or a preposition? If yes, use "me."
3. Is the pronoun reflecting back to the subject, or is it emphasizing the subject? If yes, use "myself."
4. When in doubt, remove other nouns or pronouns in the compound structure and test the sentence. This will help you determine whether "I" or "me" is correct.
5. "Myself" is never a substitute for "I" or "me" when those pronouns should be used as subjects or objects.

Examples in Context

To further illustrate, let’s look at a few more comprehensive examples:

1. Original: I went to the store with my friend. The cashier gave the receipt to my friend and I. After that, I bought myself a coffee. Corrected: I went to the store with my friend. The cashier gave the receipt to my friend and me. After that, I bought myself a coffee.

   • "Me" is used because it is the object of the preposition "to."
   • "Myself" is used correctly because "I" am buying something for myself.

2. Original: My boss and myself will be attending the conference. Please send the details to myself as soon as possible. Corrected: My boss and I will be attending the conference. Please send the details to me as soon as possible.

   • "I" is used because "My boss and I" are the subjects of the sentence.
   • "Me" is used because it is the object of the preposition "to."

3. Original: He gave the book to Sarah and I. I decided to read it myself. Corrected: He gave the book to Sarah and me. I decided to read it myself.

   • "Me" is used because it is the object of the preposition "to."
   • "Myself" is used correctly because "I" am reading it by myself.

4. Original: The project was completed by John and myself. I believe I did a good job. Corrected: The project was completed by John and me. I believe I did a good job.

   • "Me" is used because it is the object of the preposition "by."
   • "I" is used correctly as the subject of the verb "believe."

5. Original: My parents invited my sister and I over for dinner. I helped myself to the dessert. Corrected: My parents invited my sister and me over for dinner. I helped myself to the dessert.

   • "Me" is used because it is the object of the verb "invited."
   • "Myself" is used correctly because "I" am helping myself.

Conclusion

Mastering the correct use of "I," "me," and "myself" is crucial for clear and effective communication. Remember that "I" is used as the subject of a verb, "me" is used as the object of a verb or a preposition, and "myself" is used as a reflexive or intensive pronoun. By understanding these rules and practicing with examples, you can avoid common mistakes and enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. When in doubt, apply the techniques discussed: identify the role of the pronoun in the sentence and, if part of a compound, test the sentence by isolating the pronoun. With these skills, you will confidently navigate the nuances of English grammar.