He and I Or Him and I – Correct Pronoun + Examples [2025]

Pronouns like He and I or Him and I can trip up even seasoned writers and speakers. It’s a common source of confusion because pronouns are essential for clear communication, but their misuse can easily muddle the meaning of a sentence.

Most people don’t think twice when they throw together phrases like “he and I” or “him and I,” but if you’re aiming for grammatical precision, knowing when to use which is important. Let’s break down these pronouns—He and I versus Him and I—and clarify when each should be used correctly. This article aims to clear up the fog around these commonly mixed-up terms.

He and I or Him and I: Definitions and Usage

First, let’s break down the difference between He and I and Him and I. To do that, we need to understand subjective and objective pronouns.

• Subjective Pronouns are used as the subject of a sentence. These pronouns perform the action. Common subjective pronouns include I, he, she, we, and they.
• Objective Pronouns, on the other hand, receive the action in the sentence. These include me, him, her, us, and them.

Examples of Subjective Pronouns:

• He and I went to the store.
  • “He and I” is a compound subject. Both pronouns are the ones performing the action.

Examples of Objective Pronouns:

• The teacher gave him and me the assignment.
  • Here, “him” and “me” are the object pronouns receiving the action.

Now that we understand these distinctions, let’s talk about how He and I or Him and I fits into grammatical rules.

He and I or Him and I: Correct Usage

The correct combination depends on whether the pronouns are functioning as subjects or objects. Here’s the breakdown:

• He and I is correct when used as a subject in a sentence. It is a combination of two subjective pronouns, both of which are performing the action.
  • Example: He and I are going to the store.
• Him and I is incorrect as a subject because him is an objective pronoun. You can’t have an object pronoun in the subject position.
  • Incorrect: Him and I are going to the store.
  • Correct: He and I are going to the store.

When him and I is used correctly, it’s in a compound object, meaning “him” is the object of a verb or preposition. – Example: The teacher gave the book to him and me.

Synonyms for He and I, Him and I

Here are 10 synonyms for both “He and I” and “Him and I” to enhance your vocabulary and understanding:

Synonyms for “He and I”:

1. We
2. The two of us
3. Both of us
4. He and I together
5. I and he
6. The pair of us
7. Our duo
8. He and me (when used correctly)
9. We two
10. I, along with him

Synonyms for “Him and I”:

1. Him and me
2. Both of us
3. The two of us
4. He and I together (if used as object)
5. I with him
6. Me and him
7. The pair of us
8. Both he and I
9. I, along with him
10. He and me (when used as object)

31 Key Points for He and I vs Him and I

1. Common Grammar Pitfalls: Misplacing Pronouns in Subject and Object Positions

Misplacing pronouns in the subject and object positions is one of the most frequent grammar mistakes. The most common confusion occurs when people use Him and I or He and me in the wrong places, leading to awkward or incorrect sentences.

2. “He and I” as a Compound Subject

When both pronouns are performing the action, they form a compound subject. The correct form is “He and I”.

• Example: He and I went to the store.
• Explanation: Both “He” and “I” are the ones performing the action of going to the store, so the subjective pronouns “He” and “I” are used correctly here.

3. “Him and Me” as Compound Objects

When the pronouns are receiving the action, they form a compound object. In this case, “Him and Me” is the correct form.

• Example: She gave the book to him and me.
• Explanation: “Him” and “me” are receiving the action, so these object pronouns are used appropriately in the object position.

4. Subject Pronouns for Subjects, Object Pronouns for Objects

The easiest rule for identifying whether to use “He and I” or “Him and I” is simple: use subject pronouns for subjects and object pronouns for objects. Always remember that subject pronouns perform the action, while object pronouns receive the action.

5. “Him and I” Is Not Correct as a Subject

A common error is the use of “Him and I” as a subject. This combination is grammatically incorrect because “Him” is an object pronoun, which should never be used as a subject.

• Incorrect: Him and I are going to the store.
• Correct: He and I are going to the store.

6. “He and Me” Is Not Correct as an Object

Similarly, “He and me” is incorrect when used as an object because “He” is a subject pronoun. The correct object form is “Him and me”.

• Incorrect: She gave it to He and me.
• Correct: She gave it to him and me.

7. Compound Subject Examples:

• He and I are great friends.
• He and I are going to the movies.
• In these cases, “He and I” are both performing the action, so the subjective pronouns are used correctly.

8. Compound Object Examples:

• The teacher handed him and me the assignment.
• I spoke to him and me after class.
• Here, “Him and me” are receiving the action, so object pronouns are correct.

9. Test with Just One Pronoun:

If you’re unsure about which pronouns to use, try isolating the pronouns by removing the other one.

• Example: He and I went to the store. (This works because “I went to the store” is correct.)
• Example: I went to the store with him. (This works because “I went to the store with him” is correct.)

10. Always Double Check Compound Subjects

When you use compound subjects like “He and I”, ensure both pronouns are in the subjective case. You should not use “Him” here because it’s an object pronoun.

11. Context Matters for Correct Pronoun Use

Context is key. Depending on whether the pronouns are subjects or objects, you’ll have to use either “He and I” or “Him and Me”. Keep the sentence structure in mind to help you choose the right form.

12. Is “Him and I” Ever Correct?

Yes, but only in compound objects. “Him and I” can be correct when it follows a preposition or verb that takes an object, like in “She gave the book to him and I,” but generally, “Him and me” is more natural.

13. Don’t Confuse “Him and I” with “He and Me”

It’s easy to get these mixed up, but keep in mind that “He and Me” is never correct. Always use “He and I” for subjects and “Him and Me” for objects.

14. Common Sentence Structures with “He and I”

• He and I worked on the project together.
• He and I will join the team.
• These sentences correctly use “He and I” as the subject performing the action.

15. Common Sentence Structures with “Him and Me”

• She gave the book to him and me.
• I called him and me for help.
• These are correct examples of “Him and me” as a compound object.

16. Misusing Pronouns in Questions

Questions often throw people off. Make sure that “He and I” is still used correctly as a subject.

• Incorrect: Who gave the book to him and I?
• Correct: Who gave the book to him and me?

17. Using “Him and I” After Prepositions

After prepositions, you need to use object pronouns, so “Him and I” is incorrect.

• Incorrect: She sat beside him and I.
• Correct: She sat beside him and me.

18. Using “He and I” as a Subject in a Compound Sentence

• He and I were both surprised by the news.
• Here, “He and I” are the subjects performing the action in the compound sentence.

19. “Him and I” Can Be Correct in Informal Speech

While “Him and I” is technically incorrect in formal writing, it can occasionally appear in casual or colloquial speech. However, it’s best to stick to “He and I” in all formal contexts.

20. Incorrect Use of “Him and I” in Formal Writing

In academic or professional writing, “Him and I” should always be avoided in subject positions. The grammatically correct option is “He and I”.

21. He and I in Relative Clauses

• The person who helped him and I was very kind.
• Correct the sentence: The person who helped him and me was very kind.

22. Remember to Stick with Standard Grammar Rules

Avoid the temptation to use “Him and I” just because it feels more natural in speech. In standard grammar, “Him and I” is never correct in a subject position.

23. Review with a Peer

If you’re unsure which form is correct, ask a friend or colleague. Sometimes, a second opinion can help clarify which pronouns fit best in the sentence.

24. Practice with Multiple Pronouns

Try using different combinations of pronouns to practice:

• He and I, He and me, Him and I, Him and me.
• This exercise will help you identify the correct form in different sentence structures.

25. Why Context is Crucial

In some instances, “He and I” and “Him and I” can both seem acceptable, but context is the deciding factor.

• Correct: He and I finished the project together.
• Incorrect: Him and I went to the movies.

26. Adjust for Grammar Mistakes

If you notice you’re mixing up subjective and objective pronouns, adjust your sentence and recheck your structure.

27. Singular vs. Plural Pronouns in Compound Sentences

In compound subjects, both pronouns should agree with the verb in terms of singular or plural.

• He and I are happy to help.
• Him and me are grateful for the opportunity.

28. Embrace the Simplicity of Pronouns

When it comes down to it, subject pronouns like He and I are simple to use as long as you remember they’re for the subject performing the action. Object pronouns like Him and me are used when receiving the action.

29. Practice Makes Perfect

Use exercises or quizzes to practice “He and I” vs. “Him and I”. The more you test yourself, the easier it will become to identify the correct form.

30. Don’t Overthink It

At the end of the day, understanding the subject-object distinction will help clear up most confusion. Stick with “He and I” for subjects and “Him and me” for objects.

31. Stay Consistent in Your Pronoun Usage

Consistency is key when it comes to grammar. Whether you’re speaking or writing, always aim to use the right subjective or objective pronoun based on the function of the pronouns in the sentence.

Comparison Table: He and I vs Him and I

Aspect	He and I (Subject)	Him and I (Object)
Pronoun Type	Subjective	Objective
Position in Sentence	Subject	Object (verb or preposition)
Correct Usage	He and I are going to the park.	The teacher gave the book to him and me.
Common Mistakes	People often say “Him and I” incorrectly as the subject.	People mistakenly use “Him and I” in the subject position.
Examples	He and I played football.	I spoke to him and I (incorrect).

When to Use Each Term: He and I vs Him and I

To choose correctly between He and I or Him and I, you must determine whether the pronouns are functioning as subjects or objects in the sentence. Here’s how you can decide:

1. If you’re the one performing the action (subject), use “He and I”.
   • Correct Example: He and I are going to the concert.
2. If you’re receiving the action (object), use “Him and Me”.
   • Correct Example: I handed the tickets to him and me.

Tip: If you’re ever unsure about whether to use He and I or Him and I, you can always isolate the pronouns and check if it sounds correct with just one of them:

• He and I are going to the party. (This works, as “I” is part of the subject.)
• I gave it to him and me. (This works, as “me” is in the object position.)

Everyday Usage Examples: He and I or Him and I

Let’s look at more everyday examples to cement your understanding:

He and I as Subject:

1. He and I are great friends.
   • Both “he” and “I” are performing the action (being great friends).
2. He and I were playing basketball.
   • Again, both pronouns are subjects of the action.

Him and Me as Object:

1. The teacher assigned the project to him and me.
   • Here, “him” and “me” are receiving the action, so the object pronouns are correct.
2. I spoke to him and me after class.
   • Notice how “him and me” is receiving the action here.

Common Errors and Misconceptions

Him and I is Incorrect: Why People Often Misuse This One of the most frequent errors in English grammar is using “Him and I” in subject positions. People often mistakenly think it’s correct because they see it in casual speech or in poorly constructed sentences. The confusion arises because they may be thinking that “Him” is the same as “He” when used in compound subjects. However, “Him” is an object pronoun, not a subject pronoun, so it cannot be used to form the subject of a sentence.

Misunderstanding Compound Subjects and Objects: The Difference Between Subject and Object Pairs A compound subject refers to two or more individuals performing the action in a sentence. “He and I” is the correct pairing here. On the other hand, compound objects refer to individuals receiving the action, like “Him and me”. Misunderstanding the roles of pronouns in the sentence causes confusion and leads to mistakes such as “Him and I” or “He and me” in the wrong spots.

Confusion with “He and Me”: When People Mistakenly Use “Me” in the Subject Position Another common mistake is the confusion between “He and me”. People sometimes mistakenly use “me” as a subject pronoun. This is incorrect because “me” is an object pronoun, and subject pronouns (like “I”) should be used in the subject position. For example, “Me and he went to the movies” is wrong, while the correct form is “He and I went to the movies.”

Subject vs. Object Pronouns: A Detailed Explanation

What Happens When You Mix the Two? Mixing subjective and objective pronouns can lead to incorrect sentence structure and confusion in meaning.

Subject pronouns (e.g., he, I, we) are used when the pronoun is the subject of the verb, while object pronouns (e.g., him, me, them) are used when the pronoun is receiving the action.

Contextual Examples:

• Subjective Pronoun Error: “Him and I are going to the store.” (Incorrect)
  Correct: “He and I are going to the store.” (Correct)
• Objective Pronoun Error: “He gave the book to I.” (Incorrect)
  Correct: “He gave the book to me.” (Correct)

Common Phrases to Watch Out For

“He and I” vs. “Him and Me”: Practical, Everyday Examples Understanding when to use “He and I” or “Him and Me” is essential in both written and spoken English.

The key distinction lies in whether the pronouns are acting as the subject or object of the sentence.

• Correct Usage:
  • “He and I are great friends.”
  • “She told him and me about the event.”

Contextual Clarity: One way to check if you’re using the correct form is to simplify the sentence and see if it makes sense with just one of the pronouns.

• Correct: “He and I are excited for the concert.”
• Incorrect: “Him and I are excited for the concert.”

Practical Examples

Correct Usage:

• “He and I are friends.”
• “He and I went to the concert.”
• “He and I were playing basketball.”

Incorrect Usage to Avoid:

• “Him and I were playing.”
• “She assigned the task to him and I.”

When to Use Him and Me: Examples for the Object Position

• “She gave it to him and me.”
• “It was a gift from him and me.”

When to Use He and I or Him and I: Context Matters

Contextual Nuances: While the basic rules for pronoun usage are clear, certain contexts may make choosing the right one a little tricky. It’s important to remember:

• Compound subjects always use subject pronouns (e.g., He and I).
• After prepositions, you should use object pronouns (e.g., him and me).

Common Contexts of Usage:

• At the start of a sentence (subject): “He and I are going to the park.”
• After prepositions (object): “The gift was for him and me.”

Is “He and I” Grammatically Correct?

Answer and Explanation: Yes, “He and I” is grammatically correct when both pronouns are the subject of the sentence.

This is because both are subject pronouns that are performing the action of the verb. Here’s why:

• He and I are both acting as the subjects, so subjective pronouns are used.

Examples with Explanation:

• Correct: “He and I are going to the store.”
  • Here, both “He” and “I” are doing the action of “going.”
• Incorrect: “Him and I are going to the store.”
  • The sentence is incorrect because “Him” is an object pronoun and should not be used as a subject.

10 He and I or Him and I Examples

Here are 10 short examples of He and I or Him and I:

1. He and I went to the movies last night.
2. Him and I have been friends since childhood.
3. He and I finished the project together.
4. I asked him and I to come early.
5. He and I are going to the concert tomorrow.
6. She said he and I would be perfect for the job.
7. Him and I had a long conversation about it.
8. I saw he and I walking down the street.
9. He and I always have fun at family gatherings.
10. She invited him and I to her party.

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of He and I vs. Him and I

Interactive Section: To help reinforce your understanding, here’s a quiz to test your knowledge of He and I vs Him and I:

1. Which is correct:
   a) He and I went to the store.
   b) Him and I went to the store.
   Answer: a) He and I went to the store.
   Explanation: The pronouns “He and I” are the subject of the sentence.
2. Which is correct:
   a) She gave the book to he and I.
   b) She gave the book to him and I.
   Answer: b) She gave the book to him and I.
   Explanation: The pronoun “him” is correct in the object position, as it follows the preposition “to.”
3. Which is correct:
   a) He and me went to the movies.
   b) He and I went to the movies.
   Answer: b) He and I went to the movies.
   Explanation: “He and I” are the subjects of the sentence, so we use subject pronouns.

Conclusion: He and I or Him and I

In summary, understanding when to use He and I or Him and I comes down to the subjective vs objective distinction. He and I should always be used when the pronouns are the subject of the sentence, acting.

Him and I, however, is grammatically incorrect as the subject because him is an object pronoun. The correct object form is him and me, as the me is receiving the action.

Key Takeaways:

• He and I is used when both pronouns are the subject of the sentence.
• Him and I is incorrect as a subject (use He and I instead).
• Him and me is the correct object form.

By following these rules and practicing correct pronoun usage, you’ll be on your way to mastering the nuances of He and I or Him and I in no time!