When to Use I

Use I when you are doing it

You already know that every sentence has a naming part that tells who or what it is about.

When that part is you, use I.

“I built a fort.”

Who built it? I did. The word sits in the naming part, so “I” is the one to use.

Watch where it sits

Sentence	Naming part
I lost my glove.	I
I ride the bus.	I
I am hungry.	I
I washed the cup.	I

In every one the word comes first and tells you who the sentence is about.

Swap the name back in

Here is a way to check. Put a name where the word is and see whether the sentence still works.

“I built a fort.” becomes “Ava built a fort.” That works.

If a name fits in that spot, then “I” belongs there.

A mistake to watch for

The most common error is using “me” in the naming part.

“Me built a fort.” is wrong.

Try the swap. “Me built a fort” would have to become “Ava built a fort”, and that is what tells you the slot wants “I”.

Children say this a lot when they are small, and it is worth fixing early because it is hard to hear later.

Your turn

Fill in the blank with the right word.

1. “____ walked to school.”
2. “____ have a loose tooth.”
3. “____ found a rock.”

Check your answers

1. “I walked to school.”
2. “I have a loose tooth.”
3. “I found a rock.”

Remember

• Use “I” in the naming part.
• Use it when you are the one doing something.
• If a name would fit in that spot, “I” belongs there.