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Showdown: I vs. Me

Below:
1. Showdown: I vs. Me
2. Last month's poll (DVD's or DVDs?)
3. New half-day writing-essentials course

Hi,

A lady from a major bank wrote to me recently asking if I’d help her settle a $50 bet she had with her workmate about “I” vs. “me.” Which do you think is right?

  1. Box a few rounds with Tyson and I
  2. Box a few rounds with Tyson and me

Most people in my courses think “I” would win the round. But they’re wrong; “me” is the champ here. (So was the lady from the bank – she won her bet.)

But look out! “I” hasn’t thrown in the towel yet! Which of these is right?

  1. Tyson and I boxed a few rounds
  2. Tyson and me boxed a few rounds

With a sharp uppercut “I” knocks out “me” and wins!

Punch drunk? Confused? Here’s how to tell when to use
“I” vs. “me.”

The quick way: remove the other person and see if it still makes sense. So, “Box a few rounds with Tyson and I,” becomes, “Box a few rounds with I,” which is obviously wrong. Then you’d know it should be, “Box a few rounds with Tyson and me.” (Prove it works for yourself: try the same rule on “Tyson and me boxed a few rounds.”)

The technical way: it depends on whether the pronoun [I or me] is acting as the subject or the object of the sentence. [The subject is what does the action; the object is what the action is done to.] “I” can only be used as the subject of a sentence; “me” can only be used as the object of a sentence. Ditto for she/her, he/him, we/us, etc.

You’ve been saved by the bell! Now you know when to use “I” or “me” you can replace your mouthguard, climb back in the ring and sock it to ’em!

Have a happy, safe Christmas,

Paul and Petrina

   
 

Apostrophe catastrophe

Make it rare to
get “Well done!”

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Get 'em committed

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“give & take”

Use “Authority” to your advantage

Influence at your fingertips

Do you write Old Style or New?

Keep it short, sport

Fat-free writing tips

It's all about YOU!
   

 
Paul sig  

P.S. In Apostrophe Catastrophe last month we asked you to vote on which is right: DVDs or DVD's. Of the 125 who voted, 120 (96%) got it right with DVDs! I'm so proud...

BRAIN GYM: “Search” through some of your recent documents or emails for “and I” and “and me”. When you find relevant examples, apply the rules above to see if you got it right!

Need help?
Call the pronoun-boxing coach to the stars!
02 9337 6574

 

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Magneto Communications Pty Ltd
PO Box 706, Vaucluse, Sydney NSW Australia.
Phone (02) 9337 6574  Fax (02) 9337 6874

www.magneto.net.au
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