I vs Me: What's the Difference?

Quick Overview

Understanding the difference between I and Me is essential for clear, professional writing in American English. These two words are classic homophones-they sound almost identical in everyday speech, but they have completely different meanings and grammatical functions. Mixing them up is one of the most common spelling and grammar mistakes in the English language.

Feature	I	Me
Meaning	The speaker or writer referring to themselves as the subject	The speaker or writer referring to themselves as the object
Part of Speech	Subjective Pronoun	Objective Pronoun
Pronunciation	/aɪ/ (rhymes with eye)	/mi/ (rhymes with see)
Common Contexts	Beginning of sentences, performing the action	Receiving actions, after prepositions
Example	I went to the store.	He gave the book to me.
Memory Trick	I = Initiates the action	Me = Receives the action

Understanding "I"

A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.

Meaning

"I" is a first-person singular pronoun used by a speaker to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb.

Pronunciation

In American English, "I" is pronounced /aɪ/. It is a diphthong that rhymes with words like "eye," "buy," and "sky."

Word Class (Pronoun)

"I" functions exclusively as a subjective pronoun. It must be the subject of a verb or clause.

Grammar

As a subject pronoun, it dictates the verb conjugation (e.g., "I am," "I walk," "I have"). It is always capitalized, regardless of its position in a sentence.

Common Uses

Starting sentences (I think), compound subjects (Tom and I), formal predicate nominatives (It is I).

Literal Meaning

Literally, "I" represents the physical person speaking or writing the words.

Figurative Meaning

Figuratively, it represents the ego or the central consciousness of an entity.

American English Usage

In American English, "I" is standard in formal writing for subjects. Using "myself" as a substitute (e.g., "John and myself") is a common error.

Typical Sentence Patterns

1. Subject + verb: I am here. 2. Noun + and + I + verb: My brother and I walked home.

Common Collocations

I am, I have, I will, I think, I believe, John and I, I know, I see, I can, I would.

Understanding "Me"

A detailed breakdown of meaning, grammar, and usage.

Meaning

"Me" is a first-person singular pronoun used by a speaker to refer to themselves as the object of a verb or preposition.

Pronunciation

In American English, "me" is pronounced /mi/. It features a long 'e' sound and rhymes with "see," "tree," and "bee."

Word Class (Pronoun)

"Me" functions exclusively as an objective pronoun. It receives an action or follows a preposition.

Grammar

As an object pronoun, it does not determine verb conjugation. It can be a direct object, indirect object, or prepositional object.

Common Uses

Receiving actions (hit me), indirect objects (give me), prepositions (to me), informal predicate nominatives (It's me).

Literal Meaning

Literally, "me" represents the physical person speaking or writing, acting as the target of an action.

Figurative Meaning

Figuratively, it is used in idioms to represent personal preference or involvement (e.g., "that's just me").

American English Usage

In American English, "me" is standard in casual speech for predicate nominatives ("It's me"), and is heavily used in reflexive idioms.

Typical Sentence Patterns

1. Subject + verb + me: She loves me. 2. Preposition + me: Stay with me. 3. Verb + me + noun: Give me the book.

Common Collocations

Tell me, give me, to me, for me, with me, call me, help me, between you and me, it's me, let me.

Key Differences

Core Definition

I performs the action. Me receives the action.

Part of Speech

I is a subjective pronoun. Me is an objective pronoun.

Pronunciation

I is pronounced /aɪ/ (rhymes with eye). Me is pronounced /mi/ (rhymes with see).

Sentence Position

I comes before the verb. Me comes after the verb or after a preposition.

Comparison Table

Feature	I	Me
Meaning	The speaker or writer referring to themselves as the subject	The speaker or writer referring to themselves as the object
Part of Speech	Subjective Pronoun	Objective Pronoun
Pronunciation	/aɪ/ (rhymes with eye)	/mi/ (rhymes with see)
Common Contexts	Beginning of sentences, performing the action	Receiving actions, after prepositions
Example	I went to the store.	He gave the book to me.
Memory Trick	I = Initiates the action	Me = Receives the action

Grammar Rules

Grammar Rules & Mechanics

Understanding the specific grammatical functions of subjective versus objective pronouns is the key to never confusing 'I' and 'me' again.

Subject vs. Object

'I' performs the action of the verb. 'Me' receives the action.

Correct: I dropped the glass.
Incorrect: Me dropped the glass.

'I' is correct because the speaker is the one performing the action of dropping.

Correct: The dog bit me.
Incorrect: The dog bit I.

'Me' is correct because the speaker is the one receiving the action of being bitten.

The Compound Test

When paired with another noun, remove the other noun to see which pronoun sounds correct.

Correct: John and I went to the park.
Incorrect: John and me went to the park.

Remove 'John and': 'I went to the park' sounds correct, not 'Me went to the park.'

Correct: She gave the book to John and me.
Incorrect: She gave the book to John and I.

Remove 'John and': 'She gave the book to me' sounds correct, not 'She gave the book to I.'

After Prepositions

Prepositions (to, for, with, about, between) must always be followed by the objective pronoun 'me'.

Correct: Just between you and me, the food is terrible.
Incorrect: Just between you and I, the food is terrible.

'Between' is a preposition, so it must be followed by 'me', never 'I'.

Linking Verbs

Strict grammar rules dictate that linking verbs (like 'is' or 'was') should be followed by 'I' (predicate nominative), but everyday English accepts 'me'.

Correct: Hello, it is I.
Incorrect: Hello, it is me.

Formally, 'It is I' is correct because 'is' is a linking verb. However, 'It is me' is universally accepted in casual American English.

When to Use "I"

Specific scenarios where 'I' is the correct choice. It is a subjective pronoun, meaning it performs the action of the verb.

Subject of a Sentence

Use 'I' when you are the one doing the action.
Example: I am going to the grocery store.

Part of a Compound Subject

Use 'I' when paired with another subject performing the action.
Example: Sarah and I are working on the project together.

Subject of a Dependent Clause

Use 'I' even in secondary clauses where you perform the action.
Example: The teacher praised the essay that I wrote.

Predicate Nominative (Formal)

In formal grammar, use 'I' after a linking verb to rename the subject.
Example: It was I who called you yesterday.

In Comparisons (Formal)

Use 'I' after 'than' or 'as' if a verb is implied.
Example: She is taller than I (am).

Standalone Responses

Use 'I' when answering a question identifying the subject.
Example: Who wants a piece of cake? I do.

Before a Gerund

In formal writing, use 'I' (or 'my') before an '-ing' verb acting as a noun.
Example: They appreciated I taking the time to help.

Emphasis with Myself

Use 'I' alongside 'myself' for emphasis as the subject.
Example: I myself will ensure the task is completed.

When to Use "Me"

Specific scenarios where 'me' is the correct choice. It is an objective pronoun, meaning it receives the action.

Direct Object

Use 'me' when someone else performs an action on you.
Example: The dog chased me down the street.

Indirect Object

Use 'me' when something is given or done for you.
Example: Please pass me the salt.

Object of a Preposition

Use 'me' after words like 'to,' 'for,' 'with,' 'about.'
Example: She sent a letter to me.

Part of a Compound Object

Use 'me' when paired with another object receiving the action.
Example: The manager promoted John and me.

Predicate Nominative (Informal)

In everyday speech, use 'me' after a linking verb.
Example: It was me who knocked on the door.

In Comparisons (Informal)

In casual conversation, 'me' is often used after 'than.'
Example: You are much better at this than me.

Standalone Responses

Use 'me' when answering a question identifying the object.
Example: Who did the teacher punish? Me.

Reflexive Emphasis

Use 'me' alongside 'myself' for emphasis as the object.
Example: He gave the award to me myself.

Common Expressions

Idioms and standard phrases that rely on the specific meaning of each word.

Expressions with "I"

1. I think

Meaning: Expressing a personal opinion.
Example: I think we should leave early to beat the traffic.

2. I am

Meaning: Describing one's current state or identity.
Example: I am very tired after the long flight.

3. I went

Meaning: Describing a past action or movement.
Example: I went to the library to study for finals.

4. I believe

Meaning: Stating a firmly held conviction.
Example: I believe that honesty is the best policy.

5. John and I

Meaning: Compound subject including the speaker.
Example: John and I will lead the presentation tomorrow.

6. I will

Meaning: Promising a future action.
Example: I will finish the report by Friday morning.

7. I have

Meaning: Expressing possession or experience.
Example: I have two tickets to the concert.

8. I see

Meaning: Acknowledging understanding.
Example: I see what you mean about the complicated rules.

9. I need

Meaning: Expressing a requirement.
Example: I need some quiet time to focus.

10. I want

Meaning: Expressing a desire.
Example: I want to learn how to play the piano.

11. I do

Meaning: Affirming an action.
Example: I do my laundry every Sunday.

12. I said

Meaning: Quoting a past statement.
Example: I said we should not go that way.

13. I can

Meaning: Expressing ability.
Example: I can run a mile in under six minutes.

14. I know

Meaning: Expressing awareness or knowledge.
Example: I know the answer to that question.

15. I like

Meaning: Expressing a preference.
Example: I like to drink coffee in the morning.

16. I feel

Meaning: Describing an emotion or sensation.
Example: I feel great after the workout.

17. I hope

Meaning: Expressing a wish for the future.
Example: I hope it doesn't rain during the picnic.

18. I decide

Meaning: Taking ownership of a choice.
Example: I decide the menu for the event every year.

19. I promise

Meaning: Giving assurance.
Example: I promise to call you when I land.

20. I agree

Meaning: Showing concurrence.
Example: I agree with your assessment of the situation.

Expressions with "Me"

1. Tell me

Meaning: Instructing someone to share information.
Example: Please tell me the truth about last night.

2. Give me

Meaning: Requesting an object or action.
Example: Give me a chance to explain myself.

3. To me

Meaning: Indicating direction or recipient.
Example: Hand the documents to me immediately.

4. For me

Meaning: Indicating benefit or intended recipient.
Example: Could you grab a coffee for me?

5. With me

Meaning: Indicating accompaniment.
Example: Are you coming with me to the store?

6. John and me

Meaning: Compound object including the speaker.
Example: The boss promoted John and me last week.

7. Call me

Meaning: Instructing someone to contact you.
Example: Call me when you get home safely.

8. Help me

Meaning: Requesting assistance.
Example: Can you help me move this heavy sofa?

9. Show me

Meaning: Requesting a demonstration.
Example: Show me how to use this new software.

10. Hit me

Meaning: Colloquial phrase for dealing a card or taking a punch.
Example: The dealer dealt the cards, and I said, 'Hit me.'

11. Bring me

Meaning: Requesting something be carried to you.
Example: Bring me the remote control, please.

12. Send me

Meaning: Requesting electronic or physical delivery.
Example: Send me the details in an email.

13. About me

Meaning: Regarding one's personal life.
Example: She wrote a beautiful essay about me.

14. Behind me

Meaning: Indicating physical position or the past.
Example: I left my troubled past behind me.

15. Above me

Meaning: Indicating hierarchy or physical placement.
Example: The manager is directly above me in the chain of command.

16. It's me

Meaning: Informal identification of oneself.
Example: Who is at the door? It's me, David.

17. Than me

Meaning: Informal comparison.
Example: He is much taller than me.

18. Like me

Meaning: Indicating similarity.
Example: If you are a fan of sci-fi like me, you will love this movie.

19. Follow me

Meaning: Instructing someone to come along.
Example: Follow me to the conference room.

20. Trust me

Meaning: Asking for confidence.
Example: Trust me, this is the best decision for the company.

Collocations

I am

Meaning: Expressing current state or identity.
Example: I am ready to start the meeting.

I have

Meaning: Expressing possession.
Example: I have the files you requested.

I will

Meaning: Expressing future intent.
Example: I will call the client tomorrow.

I think

Meaning: Expressing an opinion.
Example: I think it will rain later today.

I believe

Meaning: Expressing conviction.
Example: I believe we can finish this on time.

I know

Meaning: Expressing awareness.
Example: I know the route by heart.

I see

Meaning: Expressing understanding.
Example: I see the problem with the code.

John and I

Meaning: Compound subject involving the speaker.
Example: John and I are collaborating on the project.

I can

Meaning: Expressing ability.
Example: I can speak three languages fluently.

I would

Meaning: Expressing conditional preference.
Example: I would prefer to leave early.

Tell me

Meaning: Commanding someone to share information.
Example: Tell me what you think of the design.

Give me

Meaning: Requesting something.
Example: Give me five minutes to get ready.

To me

Meaning: Indicating the recipient of an action.
Example: Explain the concept to me clearly.

For me

Meaning: Indicating benefit.
Example: Could you print this for me?

With me

Meaning: Indicating accompaniment.
Example: Take a walk with me in the park.

Call me

Meaning: Instructing someone to contact you.
Example: Call me as soon as you arrive.

Show me

Meaning: Requesting a demonstration.
Example: Show me the final draft of the contract.

Between you and me

Meaning: An idiom indicating a secret or private conversation.
Example: Between you and me, I think he is going to quit.

It's me

Meaning: Informal identification.
Example: Don't worry, it's me at the door.

Help me

Meaning: Requesting assistance.
Example: Help me carry these heavy boxes.

Idioms

I, for one

Meaning: Speaking for oneself individually.
Example: I, for one, think the new policy is excellent.

I dare say

Meaning: An expression of assertion or likelihood.
Example: I dare say he will regret that decision.

I bet

Meaning: An expression of strong certainty.
Example: I bet it rains before we even leave the house.

I guess

Meaning: An expression of assumption or mild concession.
Example: I guess we should just stay home tonight.

I mean

Meaning: Used to clarify or rephrase a statement.
Example: I mean, it's not terrible, but it could be better.

I say

Meaning: Used to emphasize an opinion.
Example: I say we go to the beach despite the clouds.

I swear

Meaning: Making a solemn declaration.
Example: I swear I locked the door before we left.

I promise

Meaning: Giving a strong assurance.
Example: I promise I will be there on time.

I think not

Meaning: A formal or dramatic way of saying 'no'.
Example: You expect me to work for free? I think not.

Here am I

Meaning: A poetic or formal way of announcing one's presence.
Example: Here am I, ready to serve the kingdom.

Me too

Meaning: Agreeing that something applies to oneself as well.
Example: I love chocolate ice cream. Me too!

Tell me about it

Meaning: An expression of empathetic agreement, meaning 'I know exactly what you mean.'
Example: This traffic is awful. Tell me about it.

Give me a break

Meaning: An expression of disbelief or frustration.
Example: Give me a break, there's no way he did that.

Excuse me

Meaning: A polite way to get attention, apologize, or express offense.
Example: Excuse me, but you are standing in my way.

Bear with me

Meaning: Asking someone to be patient.
Example: Bear with me while I find the right document.

Behind me

Meaning: Putting something in the past.
Example: I put my troubled youth behind me.

For me

Meaning: From one's personal perspective.
Example: For me, family is the most important thing.

With me

Meaning: Indicating who is on one's side.
Example: Are you with me on this decision?

It's all about me

Meaning: A phrase describing someone who is self-centered.
Example: She acts like it's all about me all the time.

Knock me down with a feather

Meaning: An expression of extreme surprise.
Example: You could knock me down with a feather when I heard the news.

Example Sentences

Easy

I like to eat pizza on Fridays.
Mom gave me a dollar for the arcade.
I went to the park with my dog.
The teacher told me to sit down.
My brother and I play video games together.
Can you help me tie my shoes?
I have a red bicycle.
She waved at me from across the street.
I want to go to the zoo.
The book belongs to me.
I am very happy today.
Dad bought me a new toy.
Sally and I are best friends.
Please pass me the salt.
I know the answer to the math problem.
The dog chased me around the yard.
I see the bird in the tree.
Come with me to the store.
I drew a picture of a house.
Who is there? It is me.

Intermediate

I believe we should invest more in renewable energy.
The manager assigned the new project to John and me.
I am responsible for organizing the annual charity event.
Could you please send me the weekly report by email?
Sarah and I decided to take a different approach to the problem.
The sudden loud noise startled me during the movie.
I have always wanted to travel to Japan during cherry blossom season.
Just between you and me, I think he is going to be fired soon.
I told her that I would be late for dinner.
She handed me the keys to the apartment.
My colleagues and I are planning a surprise party for the boss.
The professor gave me excellent feedback on my essay.
I usually go for a run in the morning before work.
Please let me know if you need any assistance with the software.
I think the blue dress looks better on you than the red one.
The gift was meant for me, not for my sister.
I can meet you at the cafe around three o'clock.
He asked me to review the contract before signing it.
I was wondering if you had any availability next Tuesday.
The rain reminded me to bring an umbrella tomorrow.

Advanced

I, for one, am skeptical of the proposed changes to the tax code.
The committee chairperson presented the award to my partner and me.
I must assert that the data presented in this study is fundamentally flawed.
The judge's harsh ruling served as a stark reminder to me of the law's rigidity.
My supervisor and I are co-authoring a paper on behavioral economics.
The documentary exposed the harsh realities that had previously eluded me.
I dare say the opposition will regret underestimating our strategy.
Historical context provides to me a deeper understanding of the novel's themes.
I cannot condone actions that blatantly violate our ethical guidelines.
The philosopher's argument resonated deeply with me, despite its complexity.
The CEO and I share a vision for the company's long-term sustainability.
It became apparent to me that the negotiations were doomed to fail.
I find it highly improbable that the accused acted alone.
The revelation that the manuscript was forged astounded me.
I intend to challenge the precedent set by the lower court.
She confided in me regarding her impending resignation.
I am inclined to believe that the variables were not properly controlled.
The subtle nuances of the painting were not lost on me.
I, along with my colleagues, vehemently protest the budget cuts.
The author's use of symbolism provided a profound epiphany for me.

Academic

I argue that the theoretical framework requires a paradigm shift.
The empirical evidence presented by the researchers strongly suggests to me that the hypothesis is valid.
My co-investigator and I conducted the longitudinal study over five years.
The peer-review process offered invaluable insights to me regarding my methodology.
I postulate that the correlation is merely coincidental rather than causal.
The historical archives yielded a crucial document that had previously eluded me.
I intend to extrapolate from these findings to propose a new model.
The dissertation committee challenged me to defend my assertions more rigorously.
I have endeavored to maintain objectivity throughout this discourse.
The statistical anomaly presented itself to me as an opportunity for further inquiry.
I, as the principal investigator, take full responsibility for the data integrity.
The literature review revealed a gap in the research that intrigued me.
I conclude that the intervention had a statistically significant impact.
The professor's critique of my thesis forced me to re-evaluate my premise.
I submit that the current pedagogical approaches are inadequate.
The ethical implications of this experiment weigh heavily upon me.
I have cited all relevant sources to substantiate my claims.
The qualitative data provided a nuanced perspective that had escaped me.
I will now proceed to outline the limitations of this study.
The symposium afforded me the opportunity to network with leading scholars.

Business

I will send the finalized contract to the legal team by noon.
The client explicitly requested that you CC me on all future correspondence.
My colleague and I will be representing the firm at the conference.
Please schedule a brief meeting with me to discuss the quarterly metrics.
I project a 15% increase in revenue for the next fiscal quarter.
The vendor's proposal seemed a bit misleading to me.
I am confident that our marketing strategy will yield a high ROI.
Human resources forwarded me your application for the senior analyst position.
I advise against proceeding with the merger without further due diligence.
The board of directors granted me the authority to oversee the restructuring.
The CFO and I reviewed the budget projections for the upcoming year.
Please keep the details of this acquisition between you and me.
I have secured a meeting with the potential investors.
The sudden drop in stock prices alerted me to a potential market shift.
I recommend implementing a hybrid work model to boost employee retention.
The supplier assured me that the shipment would arrive on time.
I look forward to presenting our findings at the shareholder meeting.
Let me know if you need any assistance onboarding the new hire.
I authorized the reimbursement for the travel expenses.
The IT department reminded me to update my passwords regularly.

Real-Life Conversations

Office

Colleague 1: Did you finish the financial report?

Colleague 2: Yes, I completed it this morning.

Colleague 1: Great, the boss is asking for it.

Colleague 2: Can you hand it to him for me?

School

Student: I don't understand this math problem.

Teacher: Let me see your work.

Student: John and I tried it twice, but we got different answers.

Teacher: Show me your steps, and I will help you find the error.

Travel

Passenger: I need to change my flight.

Agent: Can I see your ticket, please?

Passenger: The airline emailed it to me yesterday.

Agent: There is a fee for the change. Is that okay with you?

Retail

Customer: Do you have this shirt in a medium?

Cashier: Let me check the back for you.

Customer: Thank you, I really appreciate it.

Formal vs Informal Usage

Professional Emails

In professional correspondence, 'I' initiates actions, and 'me' receives them or follows prepositions.

Example: My team and I will handle the account. Please direct any questions to me.

Legal Writing

Legal writing uses 'I' for declarations and 'me' for identifying the targeted party.

Example: I, the undersigned, declare the information to be true. The contract binds me to the terms.

Business English

Contracts and Agreements

In business contracts, 'I' is used to state obligations, while 'me' is used for what is owed to the speaker.

Example: I agree to deliver the services. Payment shall be made to me upon completion.

Customer Support

Customer service uses 'I' to take ownership of a problem and 'me' to prompt the customer for information.

Example: I can fix that for you right now. Can you provide me with your order number?

Academic Writing

Research Papers

In academic writing, 'I' is used to state the author's thesis, and 'me' is used when discussing the researcher's experience.

Example: I argue that the data is flawed. The results suggested to me that a third variable exists.

Peer Reviews

Scholars use 'I' to give their professional opinion and 'me' to describe their reaction to the text.

Example: I recommend rejecting the paper. The methodology seemed incomplete to me.

Common Mistakes

Me and John went to the store.

Correct: John and I went to the store.

Why: 'I' is the subject performing the action. Remove 'John and' to test: 'I went to the store.'

She gave the book to John and I.

Correct: She gave the book to John and me.

Why: 'Me' is the object of the preposition 'to'. Remove 'John and': 'She gave the book to me.'

Between you and I, the project is failing.

Correct: Between you and me, the project is failing.

Why: 'Between' is a preposition, so it must be followed by the objective pronoun 'me.'

Him and me are working on the presentation.

Correct: He and I are working on the presentation.

Why: Both pronouns are subjects performing the action, so they must be in the subjective case ('He' and 'I').

Please keep this between you and I.

Correct: Please keep this between you and me.

Why: Prepositions always take objective pronouns. It must be 'between you and me.'

They invited my wife and I to the wedding.

Correct: They invited my wife and me to the wedding.

Why: The pronoun receives the action of the verb 'invited,' so it must be 'me.'

Me will attend the meeting tomorrow.

Correct: I will attend the meeting tomorrow.

Why: 'I' is the subject of the sentence and must come before the verb.

The boss gave the task to him and I.

Correct: The boss gave the task to him and me.

Why: The pronoun follows the preposition 'to,' requiring the objective case 'me.'

Her and I are leading the committee.

Correct: She and I are leading the committee.

Why: Both are subjects of the verb 'are leading,' requiring subjective pronouns.

The gift is for Sarah and I.

Correct: The gift is for Sarah and me.

Why: The pronoun follows the preposition 'for,' so it must be 'me.'

Learning Tips

Memory Trick: The Drop Test

If you have a compound subject/object (e.g., 'John and I'), drop the other person. If 'I went' sounds right, use 'I.' If 'gave it to me' sounds right, use 'me.'

Position Check

If the pronoun comes before the verb, it's 'I.' If it comes after the verb or a preposition, it's 'me.'

The Preposition Rule

Prepositions (to, for, with, between, about) are traps for 'I.' Always use 'me' after a preposition.

Capitalization

Remember that 'I' is always capitalized, no matter where it appears in a sentence. 'Me' is only capitalized at the beginning of a sentence.

The Substitute Test

If you can substitute 'we' or 'he' and the sentence works, use 'I.' If you can substitute 'us' or 'him,' use 'me.'

🎮 Mini Quiz

Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.

Score: 0

Streak: 0

Question: 1/20

Loading...

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions.

What is the main difference between I and me?

'I' is a subject pronoun used to perform an action (e.g., I run). 'Me' is an object pronoun used to receive an action or follow a preposition (e.g., hit me, to me).

Why are I and me so commonly confused in compound subjects?

People often overcorrect, thinking 'John and me' sounds uneducated, so they use 'John and I' everywhere, even as an object. The correct choice depends on whether the pair is doing the action or receiving it.

Is it 'between you and I' or 'between you and me'?

It is always 'between you and me.' 'Between' is a preposition, and prepositions must be followed by object pronouns like 'me.'

Can 'I' and 'me' be used interchangeably?

No, they cannot. They have different grammatical functions. Swapping them results in grammatically incorrect sentences.

Is it correct to say 'It is me'?

In formal grammar, 'It is I' is correct because 'is' is a linking verb. However, 'It is me' is universally accepted and preferred in everyday American English.

How do I know which one to use in 'than I' or 'than me'?

Formally, use 'than I' because a verb is implied ('than I am'). In casual conversation, 'than me' is widely accepted and understood.

What is a good trick to remember which word to use?

Use the Drop Test. Remove the other person from the sentence. You wouldn't say 'Me went to the store,' so you say 'John and I went.'

Is 'myself' a good substitute for 'I' or 'me'?

No. 'Myself' is a reflexive pronoun and should only be used when the subject and object are the same (e.g., 'I cut myself'). Saying 'John and myself' is incorrect.

Why is 'I' always capitalized?

It is a historical convention. In Old English, it was a single letter 'ic,' which eventually became 'i' and then 'I' to stand alone visually as a distinct word.

Is it 'woe is me' or 'woe is I'?

The standard idiom is 'Woe is me.' It is an older, dative construction essentially meaning 'Woe is to me.'

Browse Dictionary