Mini-Rant: Grammar 101
Yes, I’m going there. There are quite a few misuses of grammar that annoy me, but top of the list is “my friend and I”.
But it’s not that I get annoyed when people fail to say “… and I” when they should. My issue is with those that say “… and I” when they shouldn’t!
There’s a very simple rule that would clear this whole situation up. In any sentence where this “and I” question arises, all you need do is remove the element immediately before the “and I” and see whether the sentence still makes sense.
“My husband and I would like to invite you to a party.”
Remove the “My husband and” and you’re left with “I would like to invite you to a party.”
So, “and I” is right in this case.
“Don’t forget to tune in to Jack and I’s podcast next week!”
No! Remove the “Jack and” and you’re left with “Don’t forget to tune into I’s podcast next week!”
Clearly wrong!
Without the “Jack and” the sentence would be “Don’t forget to tune into my podcast next week!”
So, adding the extra element shouldn’t change that. You just need to add the possessional “‘s” to the first part too.
“Don’t forget to tune in to Jack’s and my podcast next week!”
A little clunky, I know, but gramatically speaking, that is the rule. In reality, the following would actually be preferred:
“Don’t forget to tune in to our podcast next week!”
Basically, what I’m saying is that there is nothing wrong with saying “You and me.” People seem to have an aversion to using it because they think it’s not correct … but hearing people change it to “you and I” when it’s not appropriate is much more annoying to me than just sticking with “you and me” all the time!
Just stick to what you know! And if you don’t know, buy a book on “grammar for idiots” or something. Just TRY to stop being so agonizingly, teeth-grindingly irritating!
MisterShouty 