Personal pronouns: using 'I', 'me', and 'myself' correctly

B1
60 min
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1

Think about these questions before watching. Share your ideas with a partner.

  1. What is one common grammar mistake you hear other English learners make? Why do you think it's a common problem?
  2. In your opinion, is it more important to avoid grammar mistakes or to communicate your message effectively? Why?
  3. Think about a time you weren't sure which word to use in a sentence. What did you do to solve the problem?
2

Watch the video carefully. Pay attention to the main ideas and key details.

Video script44 segments · click a timestamp to jump

Me, myself, and I.

You may be tempted to use these words interchangeably

because they all refer to the same thing,

but in fact, each one has a specific role in a sentence.

"I" is a subject pronoun,

"me" is an object pronoun,

and "myself" is a reflexive or intensive pronoun.

So what does that reveal about where each word belongs?

Let's start with the difference between subject and object.

Imagine the subject as the actor in a sentence

and the object as the word that is acted upon.

"I invited her but she invited me."

The object can also be the object of a preposition.

"She danced around me, while he shimmied up to me."

In some languages, like Latin and Russian,

most nouns have different forms that distinguish subjects from objects.

However, in English, that's only true of pronouns.

But so long as you know how to distinguish subjects from objects,

you can figure out what belongs where.

And when you encounter a more complicated sentence,

say one that involves multiple subjects or objects,

and you're not sure whether to use "I" or "me,"

just temporarily eliminate the other person,

and once again distinguish subject from object.

Here's another.

You wouldn't say, "Me heard gossip," but sub in "I" and you're good to go.

Then what about "myself?"

This grand character is often substituted for "me" and "I"

because it seems more impressive.

"Please tell Jack or myself" may sound elegant,

but in fact, "me" is the right pronoun here.

So where should you use "myself"?

In its function as a reflexive pronoun,

"myself" only works if it's the object of a sentence

whose subject is "I."

"I consider myself the most important pronoun at this year's party."

"Myself" can also add emphasis as an intensive pronoun.

"I, myself, have heard others agree."

The sentence works without it,

but that extra pronoun gives it oomph.

To check if "myself" belongs in a sentence,

simply ensure that there's also an "I" that it's reflecting or intensifying.

So that's "me," "myself," and "I,"

ever ready to represent you, yourself, and you.

3

Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the video.

01According to the video, what is the main difference between a subject and an object in a sentence?
Sample answerThe video explains that the subject is the 'actor' in the sentence, the one doing the action. The object is the one that the action happens to.
02What simple trick does the video suggest to help you choose between 'I' and 'me' in a sentence with more than one person?
Sample answerIt says you should temporarily take the other person out of the sentence. Then it's easier to hear if 'I' or 'me' is the correct word to use.
03Why do some people incorrectly use the word 'myself' instead of 'me' or 'I'?
Sample answerThe video says that some people use 'myself' because they think it sounds more impressive or elegant, even when it's the wrong word for the sentence.
04In what two situations is it correct to use 'myself', and what simple check can you do to be sure?
Sample answerYou can use it when 'I' is the subject and 'myself' is the object, or to add emphasis. To check, you just need to make sure the word 'I' is also in the sentence.
4

Key vocabulary

Vocabulary
These expressions will help you talk about language and communication more naturally.
Examples
To get your point across — to succeed in making other people understand what you mean.
Usage note: This is a common phrase in both spoken and written English. You can also say 'get a message across' or 'get an idea across'.
A rule of thumb — a practical and useful principle that is not always exact.
Usage note: Use this to introduce a general guideline. For example, 'As a rule of thumb, use 'I' when you are the one doing the action in a sentence.'
To mix something up — to confuse two or more things with each other.
Usage note: This phrasal verb is great for talking about common errors. For example, 'I sometimes mix up when to use 'me' and 'myself'.'
To express oneself — to communicate your personal thoughts or feelings.
Usage note: This phrase uses a reflexive pronoun, like 'myself'. For example, 'It's important to learn how to express yourself clearly in a new language.'
Speaking for myself — a phrase used to emphasize that you are only giving your own opinion.
Usage note: This is a polite way to introduce a personal viewpoint in a discussion. For example, 'Speaking for myself, I find grammar rules fascinating.'
5

Read the statements about the video and decide if they are true or false. Correct the false ones.

01The video explains that in English, both nouns and pronouns change their form depending on whether they are the subject or object.
02According to the video, 'me' can be used after a preposition, like in the example 'She danced around me.'
03Using 'myself' for emphasis is correct, and the video explains that the sentence is also grammatically correct without it.
04The video suggests that people often use 'myself' incorrectly because it is easier to remember than 'me' or 'I'.
05The video describes the subject of a sentence as the 'actor' and the object as the one that is 'acted upon'.
6

Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.

  1. The video says using 'myself' instead of 'me' is incorrect, even if it sounds more elegant. Do you think it's ever okay to break a grammar rule if it helps you get your point across or sound more formal? Why or why not?
  2. In your native language, do native speakers ever mix up small grammar words like 'I' and 'me'? What are some common mistakes, and do people usually correct them?
  3. Speaking for myself, I find some grammar rules difficult to remember. What is one 'rule of thumb' you use to help you remember an English grammar rule when you want to express yourself correctly?