Which is correct ?

[Bamidele]

There was a little argument at my school today over a particular sentence. 'You are older than him. ' and "You are older than he." Please which sentence is correct and what rules guide the proper formation of the sentence?

[Monticello]

Originally Posted by Bamidele

There was a little argument at my school today over a particular sentence. 'You are older than him. ' and "You are older than he." Please which sentence is correct and what rules guide the proper formation of the sentence?

Hi Bamidele,

Why argue with a good friend when you're both correct?

Please read carefully the USAGE NOTE from the link for the entry for the word than (yes, click on it!), taken from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (Fourth Edition).

I'm curious. -Was there any money riding on this?

[konungursvia]

Yes, both are correct. The first is the traditionally correct answer, and the other is so very common it cannot be considered wrong.

[Monticello]

Originally Posted by konungursvia

Yes, both are correct. The first is the traditionally correct answer, and the other is so very common it cannot be considered wrong.

Hi konungursvia,

Yes. So very common that even the likes of Shakespeare, Johnson, Swift, Scott, and Faulkner used it. From the USAGE NOTE mentioned above:

John is taller than me. Though this usage is still widely regarded as incorrect, it is predominant in speech and has reputable literary precedent, appearing in the writing of such respected authors as Shakespeare, Johnson, Swift, Scott, and Faulkner. It is also consistent with the fact that than is clearly treated as a preposition in the than whom construction, as in a poet than whom (not than who) no one has a dearer place in the hearts of his countrymen.

[Bamidele]

Thanks a lot Monticello and Konungursvia. I really appreciate it. Monticello sorry their wasn't any cash to it I guess next time I'll work out another argument and place an amount on it. Definitely we'll split it 50, 50.

[konungursvia]

If "poets and liars" used it, it's good enough for little old me.

[Monticello]

Originally Posted by konungursvia

If "poets and liars" used it, it's good enough for little old me.

OK. So how 'bout Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves?

[M-Qasim]

Both are correct