I / my / me / mine / myself ?

I / my / me / mine / myself ? Espresso EnglishThis is a free sample from the e-book  600+ Confusing English Words Explained. It will help clear up your doubts about how to use English words correctly, so that you can speak and write more confidently. Click here for more information!

If you’re confused by the words I, my, me, mine, and myself, you’re not alone!

In this lesson, I’m going to teach you the quick and easy difference between them.

I and ME

is the subject – the person who does the action in the sentence.

  • I gave John the book.

Me is the object – the person who receives the action in the sentence.

  • John gave me the book.
    OR: John gave the book to me. 
Most people get confused when there are multiple subjects or objects in the sentence, but the rule is still true:
  • Dana and I saw Jim at the party.
    Dana = subject
    I = subject
    Jim = object
  • The teacher called Sarah and me.
    The teacher = subject
    Sarah = object
    me = object

MY and MINE

Use my before the word, and use mine after the word:

  • Paul is my friend.
  • Paul is a friend of mine.
  • Those are my glasses.
  • Those glasses are mine.

MYSELF

The word myself is used in two cases:

  1. As a reflexive pronoun – when “I” is both the subject AND the object
    • I gave myself a haircut.
      (This means cut MY own hair)
    • I accidentally cut myself with the scissors.
  2. For emphasis – when you want to emphasize the “I”
    • I baked this cake myself!
      (I want to emphasize that I made it, and not another person) 
    • I know John was at the party because I saw him there myself.
      (I saw John at the party with my own eyes)
    • Give me the letter – I’ll deliver it myself.
      (I’ll deliver the letter personally)

BY MYSELF

The expression by myself means alone:

  • I went out to dinner by myself.

Learn more: YOUR vs. YOU’RE


Quiz: I / My / Me / Mine / Myself

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence!
Start

Clear up your doubts about confusing words… and use English more confidently!

I / my / me / mine / myself ? Espresso English

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