When to use “I” and when to use “me”

Knowing when to use “I” and when to use “me” in English can be a bit tricky, but it’s primarily based on whether the pronoun is serving as the subject or the object of a sentence.

1. I:
   • “I” is used when the pronoun is the subject of a sentence, meaning it is performing the action.
   • Example: “I am going to the store.”
   • Here, “I” is the subject of the sentence because it is the one doing the action (going to the store).
2. Me:
   • “Me” is used when the pronoun is the object of a verb or preposition, meaning it is receiving the action.
   • Example: “He gave the book to me.”
   • In this sentence, “me” is the object because it receives the action of the verb “gave.”

It’s important to distinguish between the two in contexts where both subjects and objects are present, as in compound subjects or objects. For instance:

• “Sarah and I went to the park.” (subject)
• “He invited Sarah and me to the party.” (object)

A trick to determine whether to use “I” or “me” in compound subjects or objects is to remove the other person and see if the sentence still makes sense. For example:

• “Sarah and I went to the park.” → “I went to the park.” (correct)
• “He invited Sarah and me to the party.” → “He invited me to the party.” (correct)

30 examples using both “I” and “me” correctly:

Using “I” as the subject:

1. I am studying for my exams.
2. I love to read books.
3. I want to become a doctor.
4. I will go to the gym tomorrow.
5. I am cooking dinner tonight.
6. I enjoy playing the piano.
7. I am going on vacation next week.
8. I need to finish this project by Friday.
9. I am learning French.
10. I like to go for walks in the park.

Using “me” as the object:

1. He gave the gift to me.
2. She asked me to help with the assignment.
3. They invited me to the party.
4. Can you pass the salt to me?
5. Please send the email to me.
6. My friend called me yesterday.
7. They offered me the job.
8. Could you teach me how to play the guitar?
9. Mom made pancakes for me.
10. They showed me the way to the museum.

Using both “I” and “me” in compound subjects or objects:

1. Sarah and I went shopping together.
2. Please give the cookies to Sarah and me.
3. My brother and I went swimming at the lake.
4. Can you take a photo of my friends and me?
5. My sister and I share the same birthday.
6. They invited my parents and me to dinner.
7. Jack and I are going to the concert.
8. Would you like to join Tom and me for lunch?
9. My cat and I love to cuddle.
10. The teacher praised Mary and me for our hard work.