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whenever you are the subject of the sentence ; that is , whenever you are the one performing the action : I signed the contract . But use me if you are the object of the sentence — either the direct or indirect recipient of the action . For example : She signed the contract for me . Deciding which one to use can be trickier when there is more than one subject or object in a sentence . To determine if I or me is correct , identify which pronoun you would use if the other one were removed . Here are a couple of examples and explanations :
• THIS : He and I drafted the motion . If we remove “ he ” from the sentence , we are left with “ I drafted the motion .” That construction is grammatically correct ; so , I is the proper pronoun here .
• NOT THIS : He and me drafted the motion . Removing “ he ” will leave us with “ Me drafted the motion ,” which is grammatically incorrect , making the use of me improper .
• THIS : If you have any questions , just ask Jen or me . If we remove “ Jen ,” we are left with “ If you have any questions , just ask me .” Again , that construction is grammatically correct , signaling me is the proper pronoun .
• NOT THIS : If you have any questions , just ask Jen or I . Removing “ Jen ” leaves us with “ If you have any questions , just ask I .” Because you wouldn ’ t say or write “ Just ask I ,” don ’ t write “ Just ask Jen and I .”
That ’ s all folks — the difference between subject and object pronouns is simple . Use subject pronouns to replace the subject of a sentence ( the actor doing the action ) and object pronouns to replace the object of a sentence ( the one affected by the action ). And when it comes time to answer the question , Is it me ( or I ) I ’ m looking for , remember : Me not speak that way , so me not write that way either .
With gratitude to Michael L . Gjesdahl for his unwavering commitment to teaching the proper usage of subject and object pronouns .
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