English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Compound subjects and objects with "I" and "me"
Compound subjects and objects with "I" and "me"
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify compound subjects and compound objects in sentences.
Distinguish between subject pronouns (nominative case) and object pronouns (objective case).
Apply the 'cover-up' test to correctly choose between 'I' and 'me' in compound subjects.
Apply the 'cover-up' test to correctly choose between 'I' and 'me' in compound objects.
Construct grammatically correct sentences using 'I' and 'me' in compound subject positions.
Construct grammatically correct sentences using 'I' and 'me' in compound object positions.
Edit sentences to correct errors involving 'I' and 'me' in compound structures.
Ever wondered if it's 'Sarah and I...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb in a sentence.She runs every morning. ('She' is the subject.)
ObjectThe noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb or is affected by it, or follows a preposition.The dog chased the ball. ('the ball' is the object.)
PronounA word that takes the place of a noun to avoid repetition (e.g., I, me, he, him, she, her, they, them, we, us).Instead of 'John went to the store,' you can say 'He went to the store.'
Compound SubjectTwo or more subjects joined by a conjunction (like 'and' or 'or') that share the same verb.Sarah and Tom studied together. ('Sarah and Tom' is the compound subject.)
Compound ObjectTwo or more objects joined by...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Cover-Up' Test for Compound Subjects
When 'I' or 'me' is part of a compound subject, temporarily remove the other subject(s) and the conjunction. Read the sentence aloud with only 'I' or 'me' and the verb.
If 'I' sounds correct, then 'I' is the correct choice for the compound subject. This is because 'I' is a subject pronoun (nominative case) and is always used when performing the action of the verb.
The 'Cover-Up' Test for Compound Objects
When 'I' or 'me' is part of a compound object (direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition), temporarily remove the other object(s) and the conjunction. Read the sentence aloud with only 'I' or 'me...
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Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
Combine the following ideas into one sentence with a correct compound object of a preposition: "The scholarship was awarded. It was awarded to Maria. It was also awarded to me."
A.The scholarship was awarded to Maria and I.
B.Maria and me were awarded the scholarship.
C.The scholarship was awarded to Maria and me.
D.The scholarship was awarded by Maria and me.
Challenging
Read the paragraph: "(1) My friend Alex and I decided to enter the science fair. (2) Our project was about renewable energy, and the judges seemed impressed. (3) They asked Alex and I several difficult questions during the presentation. (4) In the end, the first-place prize was given to my friend and me." Which sentence contains a pronoun error?
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
Consider the sentence: "The debate team captain and I will present our argument." Which statement provides the BEST grammatical justification for using 'I' instead of 'me'?
A.The 'Politeness Rule' requires 'I' to be used when you are listed second in a compound phrase.
B.'I' sounds more formal and is therefore better for an academic context like a debate team.
C.The phrase 'The debate team captain and I' functions as the compound subject of the verb 'will present.' Subjects require the nominative case, so 'I' is correct.
D.The 'cover-up' test shows that 'Me will present our argument' is incorrect, but this is just a guideline, not a firm rule.
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