How to Choose a Pronoun Correctly

Which is the correct? “Between you and I, John is the corporate spy”? Or, “Between you and me, John is the corporate spy”? In the English language, nothing can be more confusing than choosing the correct pronoun. Since the way we speak and the way we write are guided by different acceptance standards, using the pronoun “I” correctly, for example, can be troublesome. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Grammar handbook

1. Know two pronoun cases-subjective and objective.
2. Create a chart and memorize.
   
   Subjective case pronouns are I, we, you, he, she, it, and they.
   
   Objective case pronouns are me, us, you, him, her, it, and them.
   
   Once memorized, all you need to do is learn two basic rules and one exception.
3. Learn rule one-subjective case pronouns. Remember that in normal sentence construction subjects come before the verb; therefore, subjective case pronouns most often come before the verb.
   
   So, use subjective case pronouns--I, we, you, he, she, it, and they--when they are used as the subject of the sentence or refer to the subject of the sentence.
   
   In the following two examples, notice the placement of the pronoun “I” in relation to the verb “went.”
   
   Example 1: I went to the store. Example 2: The two supervisors, Carlos and he, went to the meeting.
4. Learn rule two-objective case pronouns. As in subjective case pronouns, objective case pronoun usage comes in relation to the verb; therefore, objective case pronouns most often come after the verb.
   
   That is, use objective case pronouns--me, us, you, him, her, it, and them--when they are used as objects of the sentence, such as object of a preposition, or direct or indirect object of the verb.
   
   Additionally, if you remember the most commonly used prepositions such as between, from, on, to, of, except, about, at, and by, when seeing these words you will automatically know that an objective case pronoun will follow, and will choose the pronoun correctly.
   
   In the following two examples, notice the placement of the pronoun “me” in relation to the verbs “went” and “was attended.”
   
   Example 1: Megan went to the store with me. Example 2: The meeting was attended by Carlos and me.
5. Learn the one exception–linking verbs and verb phrases ending in be, being, and been. Any time a pronoun immediately follows a linking verb such as am, is, are, was ,were, and will be, or phrases ending in be, being, and been, use a subjective case pronoun.
   
   That is, use a subjective case pronoun--I,we, you, he, she, it, and they--after these verbs.
   
   In the following example, notice the placement of the pronouns he and she in relation to the linking verb “is” and verb phrase “could have been.”
   
   Example 1: Tom answered the phone, “This is he.” Example 2; It could have been she who stole the merchandise.
   
   If it sounds awkward you’re not alone. Most of us speak without regard to the rules, nor do any of us correct someone if they speak incorrectly. By learning these two rules and one exception you’ll increase your chances of choosing a pronoun correctly.
   
   In our first two examples which sentence is correct? Did you say the second one-"Between you and me, John is the corporate spy." Good. As you learned, between is a preposition and therefore an objective case pronoun is used.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt, consult your grammar handbook.
• Know your prepositions and linking verbs.
• There are other pronoun rules and exceptions as well as another pronoun case.