Do you really know when to use me not I, or have you joined the apparent national movement to get that wrong? The trend drives me so nutty that I’m going to do my bit to reverse it by reposting a version of this Grammar Outs rant every quarter.
Of course, it’s hard to blame anyone for the mistake, especially when TV stars are spreading the word—the wrong word, that is.
As I was cooking a pot of cream of chanterelle soup, I turned on the TV to “Beat Bobby Flay.” Yes, I love the torture channel, as a friend of mine calls it.
“Obviously, this is going to be a very tough call for Scott [Conant] and I,” announced four-time James Beard Award finalist for best chef–Northeast, Tiffany Faison.
“It’s me not I,” I muttered, giving my TV the evil eye.
Almost every duo who has to choose between the two cooking contestants they’re judging during each “Beat Bobby Flay” show makes that same mistake. You would think someone might give them a heads up before they head to the stage from their green rooms.
Most of my friends also make this same me not I mistake, although perhaps not as publicly. My dad would have corrected them. I can’t bring myself to do that. If I did, however, I would ask them whether they would say, “Obviously, this is going to be a very tough call for I.”
Of course they wouldn’t say that. So why would me turn to I just because Chef Scott has been added to the equation?
Next time you’re not sure whether to use me or I, just turn your sentence into a solo mission. That will answer your question.
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