Plain English

by Marian Wharton

PRONOUNS

337. Co-ordinate conjunctions may also connect pronouns.

These are used in the same way as nouns,—either as subject or object. Nouns have the same form whether used as subject or object. Pronouns, however, have different forms when used as the object. Here is where we often make mistakes in the use of pronouns. When the pronouns are connected by co-ordinate conjunctions they are of the same rank and are used in the same construction;—if they are used as subjects both must be used in the subject form;—if they are used as objects, both must be used in the object form. For example, it is incorrect to say, He told the story to her and I. Here her is properly used in the object form, for it is the object of the preposition to; the pronoun I connected with her by the use of the conjunction and is also the object of the preposition to, and the object form should be used. You would not say, He told the story to I. The sentence should read, He told the story to her and me.

Co-ordinate conjunctions may connect two pronouns used as the subject of a sentence, as for example:

• She and I arrived today.

Co-ordinate conjunctions may connect two pronouns used as the object of the verb, as for example:

• Did you call her or me?

Co-ordinate conjunctions may connect two pronouns used as the object of the preposition, as:

• He gave that to you and me.

Exercise 4

Study closely the following sentences and correct those in which the wrong form of the pronoun is used.

1. He and I are old friends.
2. Did you ask him or me?
3. They promised him and I that they would come.
4. Find the place for she and me.
5. Me and him will get it for you and she.
6. She and I will go with you.
7. You and I must decide matters for ourselves.
8. You will find him and her to be loyal comrades.