Rules for when to use the ‘Me’ or ‘I’ Pronoun

Certainly, the English language is challenging for anyone learning it as a second language. But, even for Americans born and raised using the language, pronouns continue to challenge writers and students.

Here’s an easy rule to remember about using Me or I pronouns!

Question:

Which one of these sentences is correct: Julie plans to travel this summer with Anna and ME,

OR

Julie plans to travel this summer with Anna and I? — Anita, United States

Answer:

The short answer is that “Julie plans to travel this summer with Anna and me” is correct. But why is it correct? Is there a rule that explains this?

Yes, there is a rule, and it’s simple: With is a preposition, and after prepositions we use object pronouns rather than subject pronouns.

The object pronouns are me, you, him, her, us, and them. The subject pronouns are I, you, he, she, we, and they. (You is the same in object and subject form.)

Unlike some rules about when to use the subject and object pronouns in English, this one is very reliable. Whenever you have a preposition, the pronoun that follows it should be in its object form. Below are some example sentences with prepositions and object pronouns in italics. After the examples, you will find a list of some of the most common prepositions.

I hope this helps you to have a better understanding of when to use me or I. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Examples with prepositions and object pronouns

1. This cell phone doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to him.
2. Sally’s parents asked a lot of questions about Roger and her.  
3. The teacher told Justin and Mona that she needed to talk with them after class.
4. Would you like to sit next to Carla and me?

12 common prepositions

Here is a list of 12 common prepositions that you can use with the pronouns me and I.

1. at
2. after
3. by
4. for
5. from
6. in
7. of
8. on
9. to
10. with
11. about
12. behind

Still confused? Leave me a comment below. Thanks!