Editor's Corner

Good morning! Several of you have asked me about whether the pronoun me comes before or after another noun or pronoun in a sentence. For example, should you say, “My sister is coming to visit Dan and me”? Or should you say, “My sister is coming to visit me and Dan”?

This is not a topic I remember covering in any of my English or grammar courses, but instinctively, I have always put me after the other noun or pronoun.

I did some research and found that most experts agree that you should put me last. If you have a hard time remembering, it might be helpful to think of this etiquette rule: it’s always polite to put yourself last.

Oddly, we don’t seem to have the same uncertainty with the pronoun I.We know it goes last. You rarely hear, “I and Jenny are going to lunch.” But the pronoun me, for some reason, causes people more trouble.

Maybe now it won’t. You simply have to remember to put yourself last. Mom would be proud.

Donna Bradley Burcher | Senior Technical Editor | Symitar®

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123 | Ph. 619.278.0432 | Extension: 765432

Symitar Documentation Services

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

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