Apparently Shakespeare uses it in Merchant of Venice
Cites many grammarians who say it is perfectly acceptable to use it.
Such as this article:
Pronouns are highly personal
I think the basic argument is - that grammar doesn't dictate how people speak but the other way around, and that it has been used enough, by many people including Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, Johnson etc all considered to have "good English" - that it can't be treated as a mistake but is part of English usage.
So then they figure out rules to make it acceptable.
But - nowadays most people would consider it incorrect, e.g. OED gives it simply as a mistake here: Between you and me
So - unless sure of yourself and wanting to make a point then best to avoid it I suppose.
But if it comes naturally, when speaking as a native speaker, then I think myself, no reason at all to avoid it. It's for the grammarians to figure out why you say it :).
Personally, I think I'd say "between you and me" though, speaking as a native English speaker. But might try saying "between you and I" sometimes for fun :).
“Sweet Bassanio, my ships have all miscarried. My creditors grow cruel. My estate is very low. My bond to the Jew is forfeit. And since in paying it, it is impossible I should live, all debts are cleared between you and I if I might but see you at my death. Notwithstanding, use your pleasure. If your love do not persuade you to come, let not my letter.”Wikipedia article about it: Between you and I
Cites many grammarians who say it is perfectly acceptable to use it.
Such as this article:
Pronouns are highly personal
I think the basic argument is - that grammar doesn't dictate how people speak but the other way around, and that it has been used enough, by many people including Queen Elizabeth I, Shakespeare, Johnson etc all considered to have "good English" - that it can't be treated as a mistake but is part of English usage.
So then they figure out rules to make it acceptable.
But - nowadays most people would consider it incorrect, e.g. OED gives it simply as a mistake here: Between you and me
So - unless sure of yourself and wanting to make a point then best to avoid it I suppose.
But if it comes naturally, when speaking as a native speaker, then I think myself, no reason at all to avoid it. It's for the grammarians to figure out why you say it :).
Personally, I think I'd say "between you and me" though, speaking as a native English speaker. But might try saying "between you and I" sometimes for fun :).
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