Is “and I’s” Correct Grammar? (Possessive Form Explained)

Possessive forms can be made quite tricky when you include them with pronouns. For example, saying “that’s Matt and I’s work” might look a bit strange at first glance. This article will explain all you need to know about using the possessive form of “and I.”

Is “and I’s” Correct Grammar?

“And I’s” is not correct grammar. It is sometimes used in spoken English, but you should not use it in formal or written English. Instead, you should say “my possessive and my.” The repeated use of “my” is what’s most important here when you want to be grammatical.

To help you understand what we mean, you can refer to these two examples:

• Correct: This is my wife’s and my car.
• Incorrect: This is my wife and I’s car.

While it’s common to hear “my wife and I’s” in spoken English, it is not grammatically correct. You should use “my wife’s” as the first possessive, followed by “and my” as the second possessive.

Is “My Wife and I’s” Correct?

“My wife and I’s” is incorrect. It is used in spoken English, where formal rules are relaxed, but it is not correct to use in written English. You should use “my wife’s and my” to show that you know how the possessive form works in this situation.

When using a phrase like “my wife and I,” you can usually remove the “my wife and” portion to find out if it still makes sense. This rule also applies when using the possessive form.

For example:

• Incorrect: My wife and I’s dog.
• Incorrect: I’s dog.

Whereas if you used the correct form “my wife’s and my,” you would find that the sentence makes sense even when “my wife and” is removed.

• Correct: My wife’s and my dog.
• Correct: My dog.

“He and I’s” or “He and My”?

“He and my” is grammatically correct. You should use it when you want to show that “he” and “I” own something in a sentence. You do not have to use the possessive form of “he” (“his”) in this situation. “He and I’s” is never correct.

• Correct: He and my best friend should be coming down later.
• Incorrect: He and I’s gardens are looking fantastic.

Is It Ever Correct to Use “I’s”?

“I’s” is not grammatically correct. However, many native speakers use it in spoken English because it sounds natural. Sentences like “my sister and I go to work” are correct, so many people believe that extends to the possessive form. This is not the case.

Example Sentences

There are no correct example sentences where “I’s” is used. This shows that it is never the correct grammatical possessive form.

• Correct: He and my mother would like to get to know him more. Is that okay?
• Incorrect: Him and I’s families haven’t met each other yet. Things are going to get weird.
• Correct: Yours and my grades are very similar. What do you think about that?
• Incorrect: You and I’s abilities are close enough that most people mistake us for each other.
• Correct: My wife’s and my house is up for sale. We’re really excited to move to the next phase.
• Incorrect: My wife and I’s love life is faltering. I hope we can fix it.
• Correct: She and my date when really well. I’m really looking forward to seeing her again.
• Incorrect: Her and I’s charm hasn’t worn off just yet.
• Correct: John’s and my argument has finally ended. I hope it’ll amount to something.
• Incorrect: John and I’s cats got into a fight again! I don’t know why they hate each other.
• Correct: My family’s and my cars are in the garage overnight. They need some work done.
• Incorrect: My family and I’s need for validation is what is most toxic about our relationship.
• Correct: My friend’s and my agreement is that we never do anything to upset each other.
• Incorrect: My friend and I’s dogs go on a walk together at this time every day.

Final Thoughts

You should never use “and I’s.” It is not grammatically correct, and it does not allow you to show a connected possessive form between multiple people appropriately. Instead, you should use “and my” to show that you know how the possessive form works.