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"Better than I" or "better than me"?

Question
Which is correct, better than I or better than me? — Idrees, Pakistan
Answer

Grammarians have been struggling over "better than I" vs. "better than me" for hundreds of years, and they are not likely to settle the issue anytime soon.  

Fortunately, there are two simple rules you can follow that will keep you sounding natural and appropriate to native speakers.

Formal written English: Better than I

In written English, especially in a formal document such as a business letter or a school assignment, most native speakers believe that the subject pronouns I, he, she, we, and they are correct after than. Therefore, if you want to sound educated and correct, it is safer to use “better than I.”

Conversational English: Better than me

In everyday conversation, however, or in text messages and informal emails, most native speakers use the object pronouns me, him, her, us, and them (even if they tell you that they don’t), and if you say “better than I” many people will think that it sounds unnatural and awkward and possibly even pretentious. So in conversation, I recommend that you stick with “better than me.” 

I hope this is helpful. 

 

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