Have you ever paused mid-sentence, unsure whether “and I’s” is correct?
Many English speakers stumble over this, especially when expressing shared ownership like “My wife and I’s car”.
At first glance, it sounds natural. But if you’re aiming for grammatically correct English, it’s a trap.
This post dives deep into why “and I’s” is incorrect, the rules behind possessives, and practical ways to fix the error in everyday writing.
The Grammar Question Everyone Argues About
The phrase “and I’s” sparks debates in classrooms, offices, and social media threads. People often say it instinctively, assuming adding an apostrophe-s to “I” follows the same rules as nouns. But English doesn’t work that way. Understanding why requires a quick journey into possessive pronouns, nouns, and joint ownership rules.
Even professional writers slip up here. Consider someone writing:
“My brother and I’s project won first place.”
It may sound fine, but grammar rules say otherwise. Let’s unravel this confusion step by step.
Understanding Possessives in Plain English
At its core, possession shows ownership. In English, we use apostrophes or possessive pronouns to indicate who owns something.
- Singular noun: John’s book → The book belongs to John.
- Plural noun: The girls’ uniforms → Uniforms belong to multiple girls.
- Joint ownership: Alice and Bob’s car → Both Alice and Bob own the car.
Notice the pattern? Apostrophe-s (‘s) attaches to nouns, but pronouns behave differently.
Possessive Pronouns vs. Possessive Nouns
Many people confuse possessive pronouns with possessive nouns. Here’s the distinction:
| Type | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Possessive Noun | John’s, Mary’s, Dog’s | Apostrophe-s indicates ownership |
| Possessive Pronoun | my, your, his, her, our, their | No apostrophe; already shows possession |
A key takeaway: personal pronouns like “I” never take an apostrophe-s. That’s why “I’s” is immediately suspect.
Why “and I’s” Sounds Right But Isn’t
Here’s the tricky part. “And I’s” feels intuitive because we naturally attach ‘s to nouns: my friend’s book. But “I” isn’t a noun; it’s a pronoun. Pronouns already have possessive forms like my or mine.
Incorrect:
“My wife and I’s car is new.”
Correct:
“My wife’s and my car is new.”
Even though it’s clunkier, the second version is grammatically sound. Spoken English might bend rules, but writing demands clarity.
Breaking Down Pronoun Possession
Pronouns behave differently. Let’s clarify:
- I → my/mine
- You → your/yours
- He → his
- She → her/hers
- We → our/ours
- They → their/theirs
Here’s a quick table for reference:
| Pronoun | Correct Possessive Form |
|---|---|
| I | my / mine |
| you | your / yours |
| he | his |
| she | her / hers |
| we | our / ours |
| they | their / theirs |
Notice there’s no “I’s” form. Using “and I’s” violates this rule.
The General Rule for Joint Possession
When multiple people own something, English has clear rules:
- Single ownership (shared item): Apostrophe-s goes on the last noun.
Example: Alice and Bob’s house → Both own one house. - Separate ownership: Apostrophe-s goes on each noun.
Example: Alice’s and Bob’s cars → Each owns a separate car.
A quick visual:
Shared ownership → Alice + Bob → Alice and Bob’s house
Separate ownership → Alice → Alice’s house + Bob → Bob’s house
Why “My Wife and I’s Car” Is Incorrect
Let’s dissect this classic mistake:
- “I” is a pronoun, not a noun.
- Pronouns like “I” don’t take apostrophe-s.
- Attaching ‘s to “I” violates possessive rules.
Correct alternatives:
- Separate possession: My wife’s and my car
- Joint possession (simpler alternative): Our car
Notice how the corrected versions maintain grammatical integrity without losing meaning.
Correct Alternatives
Here are practical ways to avoid “and I’s” errors:
- Replace “I’s” with my + noun: Incorrect: My friend and I’s project
Correct: My friend’s and my project - Use our for joint ownership: Incorrect: John and I’s house
Correct: Our house - Always check whether the ownership is shared or separate, then apply the rules above.
Handling Mixed Pronouns in Possession
Errors aren’t limited to “I.” People also misuse:
- He and I’s
- She and my
- They and us
Correct forms:
- He and my → His and my
- She and I → Her and my
- They and we → Their and our
A quick tip: replace the pronoun with its possessive equivalent, then attach properly.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
Here’s a list of frequent errors with easy solutions:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| My brother and I’s plan | My brother’s and my plan |
| He and I’s idea | His and my idea |
| She and I’s book | Her and my book |
| They and I’s project | Their and my project |
Mini tip: If it feels awkward, rewrite using “our” or “my + noun.”
Practical Tips for Mastering Possessives
- Mnemonic: “Never add ’s to pronouns.”
- Proofreading trick: Replace “I” with your name. If it sounds wrong with ’s, it’s incorrect.
- Keep charts handy: Refer to tables of pronouns and possessives when in doubt.
Consistency matters. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
Case Study: Grammar in Real-World Writing
A popular blog once published:
“My colleague and I’s analysis shows a trend in the market.”
Commenters pointed out the error. Correction:
“My colleague’s and my analysis shows a trend in the market.”
Even experienced writers slip into “and I’s,” showing that understanding rules is more important than relying on instinct.
Quick Reference Chart
| Situation | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Joint ownership | Alice and Bob’s house | ‘s attaches to last noun |
| Separate ownership | Alice’s and Bob’s houses | ‘s attaches to each noun |
| Pronouns (I) | my/mine | Never add ’s |
| Pronouns (he, she) | his / her / hers | Already possessive |
Keep this chart in your writing toolkit for instant correction.
FAQs
Is “and I’s” ever grammatically correct?
No. Pronouns like “I” don’t take an apostrophe-s.
Why do people say “and I’s” in conversation?
It sounds natural because we’re used to adding ’s to nouns. Informal speech often bends rules.
What’s the correct way to show shared possession?
Use my + noun or our: My friend’s and my project or Our project.
How can I remember the rule easily?
Mnemonic: “I never gets ’s.” Replace “I” with your name to test.
Are there exceptions in informal speech or dialects?
Some dialects use it casually, but it’s always incorrect in formal writing.
Conclusion
“And I’s” is a grammatical trap that confuses even native speakers.
Pronouns like “I” never take apostrophe-s, so attaching ’s is always wrong. Use my + noun or our for clarity.
Whether in emails, essays, or social media posts, following these simple rules keeps your writing polished, professional, and easy to read.
Master this small yet powerful rule, and you’ll never stumble over joint possession again.
I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.