I was typing on another message board and typed this phrase, "most of whom are more knowledgeable than me," but wondered if the proper phrasing should be, "most of whom are more knowledgeable than I". When I've heard "proper speak" I think I've heard I instead of me. ("Proper speak" is my phrase that I use for when I talk more properly/formally for more formal situations, than just regular everyday conversations.)
Anyway, I'm digressing. I'm just curious as to what the proper phrasing is. Just because "me" might be more common, doesn't mean it's right. Yet, I think "me" is more common, so I'll just stick with that. It's "just" a message board, but I credit wasting time on boards with helping my typing, grammar, spelling, etc. which has transferred into the "real world".
Anyway, thank you. (Also, I'm sure that there are a few mistakes here, too. I'm human.)
2007-08-01 01:57:03 · 9 answers · asked by Vegan_Mom 7 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Thank you, all. Most of you gave the same answer, but with different explanations. Therefore, I don't think I'm going to choose a best answer, as you've all been quite informative.
2007-08-01 03:13:27 · update #1
First, I should say that language is not really rule based, so if most people say "me," then it's just as acceptable to say "me" as to say "I."
There are two basic camps here, one of which argues that comparisons of personal characteristics (taller, uglier, louder, friendlier, . . .) use "me," while other comparisons rely on "I." Some argue that because you can extend the sentence to "Most of whom are more knowledgeable than I am knowledgeable" that you must use "I." "Me" simply wouldn't make sense in the extended sentence. However, you can say "She is taller than I am." To me, this means that we can't simply apply rules.
Having said that, I'm a big believer in using "me" when it sounds natural, and using "I" when it sounds natural. When neither sounds natural, I extend the sentence. If the extended part is long or complicated, I use "I." If the extended part is short and simple, I use "me."
For example,
"She ran faster than I ran." ---> "She ran faster than me." "She is more interested in art and architecture than I am interested in art and architecture ---> "She is more interested in art and architecture than I."
However, when in doubt, you can simply say "I" and use the linking verb "be," or the helping verb "do."
"She ran faster than I did."
"She is more interested in art and architecture than I am."
My guess is that you will think that all sentences formed like this sound natural, even the simple characteristic comparisons like "She is taller than I am."
2007-08-01 02:27:56 · answer #1 · answered by Teacher 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Knowlegeable
2016-10-29 03:59:25 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The correct grammar would be "more knowledgeable than I".
I expect the majority of people would find that use pretentious, however.
Think of it this way. What you are saying is actually, "they are more knowledgeable than I am". You would never say, "they are more knowledgeable than ME am".
Interestingly, saying the phrase "more knowledgeable than I am" wouldn't be perceived as pretentious. Therefore, add the verb to the pronoun being used. You can tell then which would be the correct grammar.
2007-08-01 02:12:07 · answer #3 · answered by 3 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of who are more knowledgeable than i am.
(Pl note that i changed whom to who. i also added 'am' to the end to reflect that it is a comparison you are trying to make).
to know the correct form, turn it upside down.
Me is more knowledgeable than most?(wrong)
I am not more knowledgeable than most of them are. (correct)
2007-08-01 02:06:48 · answer #4 · answered by willingman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to complete the question. "More knowledgeable than (I) am." "More knowledgeable than (me) am." As you can see, the second sounds incorrect.
2007-08-01 02:07:36 · answer #5 · answered by william a 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are actually both grammatically correct. "Me" is correct because the word "than" takes the objective case - eg "He is taller than me." "I" is correct because you are saying ". . . more knowledgeable than I am," (as many before me have pointed out).
2007-08-01 02:58:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My aunt the english teacher says 'I' is correct.
2007-08-01 02:05:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
More knowlegeable than me is the correct answer..
2007-08-01 02:09:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
...than me. is correct. Thesaurus doesn't say it is wrong when I am typing.
2007-08-01 02:01:32 · answer #9 · answered by aWellWisher 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋