you and I vs. you and me

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Linguistic Reminder

(This reminder is available in English only.)

Problem

Many writers misuse the phrase you and I (or you and me), because they cannot tell whether the phrase is the subject or the object of the sentence.

Solution

Use you and I Use you and me

  • as the subject in a sentence

    • You and I need to sort this out.

  • as the object in a sentence

    • Sue saw you and me at the conference yesterday.

  • as the indirect object in a sentence

    • This new software will be useful to you and me.
    • For you and me, this software program is free.

Tip

To help you choose between the phrases you and I and you and me, try the following substitutions:

If you can substitute the pronoun we, use you and I.

If you can substitute the pronoun us, use you and me.
  • You and I (we) should get together for dinner next week.
  • Maxine is wittier than you and I (we) are.
  • Dylan has not written to you and me (us) since he left town.
  • Karen finds Maxine wittier than you and me (us).
    [i.e. Karen finds Maxine wittier than she finds us]

Linguistic Recommendation reference number

REM-7/2008-10

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you and I vs. you and me (REM‑7/2008‑10) - Comments

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