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Me, Myself and I

POSTED ON 
March 9, 2009
In case you missed it, a recent a NY Times editorial took President Obama to task for his incorrect use of the word "I" when he really should have been using "me." It turns out that even the Harvard-educated can have an occasional grammar malfunction - how refreshing for my own non-Ivy League ego!In case you're similarly pronoun-challenged, here's a quick refresher on when it's appropriate to use "me," "myself" and "I":

  • Choose "I" when you're the subject of a sentence: "Michelle and I are honored to have you join us."
  • Choose "me" when you're the object of the sentence: "Being here means a lot to Michelle and me."
  • Use "myself" for emphasis or clarification: "I'll do it myself" or "I was referring to myself."

The Times editorial also includes a neat little reminder I've relied on for a long time. When in doubt, remove the other person from the sentence and you'll know which pronoun to choose. For example, you would never say, "Me honored to have you join us," or "Being here means a lot to I."As a side note, "Me, Myself and I" is also the title of an excellent little 80s rap song by De La Soul.Further reading: The I's Have ItTwitter: @lizkelly

Alison Harrison
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT

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