Grammar Tips: The Correct Form of ‘Let You and I’

The sentence 'Let you and I work together' is not grammatically correct. The correct form is 'Let you and me work together.' This error arises from a shift in case, a common grammatical flaw in English.

Understanding the Shift in Case

Firstly, it's important to recognize that the verb 'to let' requires an accusative or objective form of the pronoun following it. For example, 'Let me work' is correct, not 'Let I work.' This distinction is crucial but often misunderstood. In your case, the sentence should be 'Let you and me work together' because 'you and me' is the object of the sentence. The pronoun after 'let' should always be in the objective case, even when 'you' is the first person singular.

Common Confusion with 'Let'

The confusion often stems from the verb 'let.' In sentences such as 'Let them work together,' 'them' is the direct object, showing that 'let' takes the objective case for its pronouns. Therefore, it should be 'Let’s you and me work together.'

Using the Cohortative Mood

Your sentence aims to convey a request or invitation rather than a direct command. The cohortative mood is used to make a request or invitation. In English, this is indicated by the addition of 'us' in 'let' forms, as in 'Let’s.' For example, 'Let us work together' is used to include the speaker in the action. This can be contracted to 'Let’s,' as in 'Let’s you and me work together.'

Colloquial Usage and Hypercorrection

Colloquial English often sees variations in the use of pronouns. Some speakers might say 'Let’s you and I go,' although this is formally ungrammatical. The use of 'you and I' can be seen as an example of hypercorrection—a situation where a speaker overcorrects a perceived error, often influenced by the structure in formal English. However, in less formal speech, using 'you and me' is perfectly acceptable and widely used.

Examples and Clarification

Let’s consider these examples to solidify the concepts:

'Let me work' - Correct, as 'me' is the objective case.

'Let I work' - Incorrect, as 'I' is the subjective case.

'Let’s you and me work together' - Correct for a request including the speaker.

'Let’s you and I work together' - Incorrect, as 'I' should be in the objective case.

It's also helpful to understand that 'Let us' can be used both as a command and as a request. 'Let’s go' could be a command, but 'Let’s you and me go' is more likely a request including the listener.

Understanding and using these forms correctly can improve your English language skills and ensure that your writing and speech are both clear and grammatically correct.