Adept use of pronouns can help set your writing apart by making it read more smoothly. You can use pronouns instead of repeating the same noun over and over, which would become boring for your readers.
The problem is that English (and most other languages) have many pronouns, and remembering when to use each is not always easy.
Take me and mine for example—they are both first person singular pronouns, but there is an important difference: me is a personal pronoun, while mine is possessive.
This article will discuss personal and possessive pronouns in greater detail so you will know how to use them correctly.
What is the Difference Between Me and Mine?
In this post, I will compare mine vs. me. I will use each of these words in at least one example sentence, so you can see them in context.
Plus, I will show you a memory tool that will help you decide whether to use mine or me in your own writing.
When to Use Me
What does me mean? Me is a pronoun. Pronouns replace nouns in sentences. Me is a first person singular pronoun—it is used when the speaker or writer is referring to himself.
For example,
- “Give me back my sandwich!” screamed the hungry child.
- Kyle told me that he had not seen Melissa all week, but Melissa told me that they met for coffee on Tuesday.
- A couple of weeks ago, I was attending a street fair when my smartphone alerted me that the Greek restaurant directly in front of me offered terrific food. –The Wall Street Journal
Me is also a personal pronoun. Personal pronouns represent specific people or things. Lastly, me is an object pronoun, so it replaces nouns that are the object of sentences.
Check out a few more personal object pronouns,
- Him: third person masculine singular
- Her: third person feminine singular
- Them: third person plural
- You: second person singular and plural
When to Use Mine
What does mine mean? Mine is a pronoun, too, but it is a possessive pronoun.
Possessive pronouns indicate property or ownership. Since mine is a first person singular possessive pronoun, it is used when a speaker is referring to something that belongs to himself.
For example,
- “No, that burrito is definitely mine,” said Kendra.
- “She has her own canoe, so I don’t know why she keeps trying to sit in mine,” said Jerrick.
- In looking at countries whose belief systems and cuisines are so different than mine, I’ve discovered a willingness to be a good guest. –New York Post
English has several possessive pronouns, as well. Here are a few others,
- Ours: third person plural
- Yours: second person singular and plural
- His: Third person masculine singular
- Hers: Third person masculine singular
- Theirs: Third person plural
Trick to Remember the Difference
Since me and mine are both first person pronouns, telling the difference between them can be tricky, so let’s go over a helpful trick to remember me vs. mine.
Since me is personal and mine is possessive, they cannot be readily substituted for each other. It is important to know the appropriate contexts for each pronoun.
The title of the film Yours, Mine and Ours comprises three possessive pronouns. Remembering that mine is a possessive pronoun, like yours and ours, is as simple as remembering the title of this classic family comedy.
Additionally, the word mine contains the letter “I.” And I own things.
Summary
Is it me or mine? Me and mine are both first person singular pronouns, but me is personal, while mine is possessive. They cannot be freely exchanged.
- Me is a substitute for first person subject nouns.
- Mine indicates possession or ownership.
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