Do you say “myself and John” or “John and myself”? This question often arises in the realm of grammar and language usage, especially when it comes to constructing sentences that involve multiple subjects. Understanding the correct order and usage of “myself” in such contexts is essential for clear and effective communication.
The correct way to phrase this sentence is “John and myself.” The reason for this lies in the concept of subject-verb agreement and the placement of pronouns in a list of subjects. When listing subjects, the pronouns should be placed in the order of their importance or relevance to the sentence. In the case of “John and myself,” “John” is the primary subject, while “myself” is a secondary subject that follows.
The confusion often stems from the belief that “myself” should be placed before the other name, as it is the object of the verb “say.” However, this is not the case. The rule of thumb is to place the pronoun “myself” after the names of the other subjects when they are listed together.
To illustrate this further, consider the following examples:
1. Incorrect: “Do you say myself and John?”
2. Correct: “Do you say John and myself?”
In the first example, the pronoun “myself” is placed before “John,” which goes against the rule of listing subjects in order of importance. In the second example, the pronoun “myself” follows “John,” correctly placing it after the primary subject.
Understanding the correct usage of “myself and John” or “John and myself” is crucial for maintaining clarity and accuracy in written and spoken communication. By following the proper grammar rules, individuals can ensure that their sentences are not only grammatically correct but also easy to understand by others.
