Which is Correct: 'It Is I' or 'It Is Me'

When 'it' equates 'I' as equivalent in importance, it serves as the subject with 'I' as the subject complement. That is, if you use 'me' in the sentence, you are placing the object as the object of the verb 'is,' which does not take an object by the laws of grammar, as 'is' is not an action verb.

Grammar and Syntax in Action

It is I. is grammatically and syntactically correct in all cases, especially since all variations and conjugations of the base verb to be are intransitive. An intransitive verb refers to a verb that does not require an object in order to prevent an open complement. Moreover, it is a linking verb that links the subject to the subject-complement.

Common Mistakes and Their Origin

It is me. is a normalized mistake made by native speakers. Such mistakes are common, thanks to the diluted English standards in failing public schools, as well as music and street talk.

Usage and Emphasis

Both phrases are correct and can be used for emphasis. However, they have distinct characteristics:

Correct Usage with It is I

It is I: I the first-person pronoun is in the subjective case. Example: It is I who have offered the help to you.

Correct Usage with It is me

It is me: me is in the objective case of I. Example: It is me whom he has offered to help.

Strict vs. Spoken Grammar

Strictly speaking, 'I' is the first-person singular pronoun in the subjective case, while 'me' is in the objective case. The issue arises in distinguishing between the subject and object. As is is the verb, it is the subject, leaving me as the object. However, the rules are not always universal. You could say something like, It is I, Balthazar the Mighty, come to save the day! and be correct, although it sounds very pretentious. Who names their child Balthazar the Mighty?

Modern Usage and Cultural Impact

In English, both are acceptable. The subjective case It’s I is traditional and formal, while the objective case It’s me is correct in spoken grammar. Popular culture often reflects these linguistic norms:

It is I - said Groucho Marx to Margaret Dumont. It is I - says Count Dracula, baring his shiny teeth. It is I - says Monsieur Leclerq on Allo Allo!

Escaping Grammar Rules

Grammatically, it should be It is I. Say this out loud, and everybody will laugh at you. Sometimes, language isn’t according to the rules. Is it ever? If it should be It is I grammatically, but the whole world says It is me, what are you going to do? In 2000, I refused to accept that we had entered a new centennial and millennium – it was a year too early. We count one-two-three, not zero-one-two, don’t we? But if someone knocks on my door and says, It’s me, then I will open up.

Conclusion

While the traditional and grammatically correct answer is It is I, many people use and accept It is me without hesitation. Both have their place and their adherents, and in the realm of spoken English, the latter is becoming more common. Sometimes, it's about adapting to the common usage rather than rigid adherence to the rules.