I got it again!
So they gave the puppy to John and I. Errghhh.
I can understand when you use I incorrectly in dialogue, because folks speak that way, but just because it sounds like it’s hoity toity better to say it, don’t! When I is used incorrectly, it stands out so much. There’s an easy solution. Whenever you are tempted to say him and I, or her and I, or John and I, just drop the other person.
Would you really say:
So they gave the puppy to I? Of course not. Just by adding another person doesn’t mean you have to switch from me to I.
So they gave the puppy to John and me.
They gave the puppy to me.
See how much better that sounds?
This is one of those that when I read it, I go nuts. How about you? Do you have one grammar/punctuation issue that sends you off the deep end?
14 comments:
I'm laughing because I feel your frustration! I tell my college students the same thing you explained in your post.
It seems that we hear the wrong usage for so long that we begin to believe it's right. (Hmm, a metaphor for truth.) Guess that's why I like to read good writing, not weak writing. I have enough bad habits of my own without picking others.
See what I mean. Without picking *up* others.
A total fingernails-on-the-chalkboard one for me recently was, "I put up a picture of he and his wife..." grrrrr.
What bugs me is when people use "me" correctly and then they attempt to correct themselves.
I've always remembered to "drop the other person" when necessary. My problem is the whole "If I were a rich man" thing. I hang up on the fact that "I" is singular, so it seems more logical to say, "If I was a rich man." I know, I know, but it still bugs me.
My sister and I just discussed this. We saw a picture which said, "Harry and I at the wrestling match." Is aid it could have read, "Harry and me," because you would say, "this is me a picture of me at the wrestling match." My sister thought it should b "I" because you would say, "I was at the wrestling match." Then she changed her mind. But it was a little confusing. Harry and I sounded better than Harry and me.
Sorry for those typos. My computer is freezing up horribly today. I'm having a hard time typing. Ack. Talk about a little confusing. Oh, man, I guess I need to start saving for a new computer. When I type, the letters don't show up on the screen for several moments. s.
Sally, I think that is your internet provider that holds up the typing. I have the same problem at times and need to change my provider but it is low on my to-do list. :-)
The I/me choice depends on whether the pronoun is the subject or object of the sentence. However, my biggest bugaboo is the was/were dilemma, and the absolute best advice I have EVER read for help remembering which to use came from Stephanie Prichard in the Spring 2012 ACFW Journal. I highly recommend it. I've had less trouble with was/were since Prichard's lovely approach to the problem.
Yes! Do people teach prepositions anymore? Objective case? Anyway, I will admit to using "Ya'll" as a noun. I think it works with just about anything...
Yeah, I'm one of the oldtimers, I still use I wish I were, and if I were. I know it's changed through the years and most young whippersnappers use was, but was just doesn't sound right to my ears.
OOOH, and I forgot my pet peeve! I was "reared" using "reared" and I think it stinks that "raised" won out and replaced it. I was taught that you "raise" animals or gardens, but you "rear" children! (I still use "reared," even if I look weird.)
Not as old fashioned as you think, Linda. It's the "I wish" and the "if" that make "were" the correct choice!
I like how you stated this. It drives me nuts too.
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