Use of than

We hear in daily conversation: I like it more than him. I like it more than he.  Another example:  Art likes Mary more than I.  Art likes Mary more than me.  Meanings of each sentence define the use of  I or me.

A preposition combines with a noun or pronoun to form a phrase that modifies an object or action: by herself, before sunset, behind the door.

The noun or pronoun becomes the "object of the preposition." So in the example behind the door, the word door is the object of the preposition behind. And when you're using a pronoun as the object of the preposition, it must be in the object case. In other words, you use object pronouns such as him, her, and us. Behind her; behind her; behind us.

Some grammarians argue that than is a conjunction. They say the case of the pronoun after the word "than" is determined by its role. Conjunctionists argue that the sentences: Art likes Mary more than I and Art likes Mary more than me are both correct but have entirely different meanings.

Both use than as a conjunction, but when you use the subject pronoun I, you're saying I like Art more than I [ like Mary], and when you use the object pronoun me, you're saying Art likes Mary more than [Art likes me].

If than is a preposition, always use the objective pronoun me and  the same sentence would mean both things--you don't care for Mary as much as Art does AND Art prefers Mary to you.
If you wish to avoid ambiguity, clarify the sentence by finishing it with the verb added. Mary is wiser than I am. He likes her more than he likes me. With a verb present, the choice is obvious.

Kite to Freedom in Writing

During a writing period that feels empty or dry, we need to discover ways to freshen our thoughts. 

Soren Kierkegaard believed in the rotation method to keep the mind fresh. He indicated that a farmer can't grow wheat year after year. They must replenish the soil by sowing beans one year. It also may need to remain fallow.

Albert Einstein used "combinatory play."  Imagining he traveled on a beam of light and glancing back at a clock created break throughs for him. He visualized letting go of a coin in a free-falling elevator.

Any changes in thinking and perception jostle the mind. Distractions help to reset thoughts from focus on a single task and its implications, concerns and consequences. It helps us move into to a new venue where creativity blossoms.

Try, "See the Kite" approach.  If you want to divert someone in conversation, point to the sky and say, "What a Kite." An individual will look up and stop speaking, thinking or doing. You can use the distraction to accomplish whatever you need.  Divert an unpleasant situation, steal a bite of someone's desert. . . or even a kiss.  Adapt this idea for your writing.

Use unexpected incongruity. Try writing to these examples:

What do eagles, Robinhood and pencils have in common?

Consider  baboons, Monterey and chocolate and their differences?

Combine kittens, cranberries and the Pacific ocean.

What skitters in and out of the hole below change?

Intuition ticklers, absurd thoughts and humor intrigue the mind and provide unexpected insights.

Creative Write:  Use the kite approach and search the sky for ideas.  Try three unrelated items, extend to more.   Freshen and free your writing spirit.

Collate Nouns and Verbs

Silversmith      Flee            Wilderness    Peridot    

Gravel           Tromp          Tendril          Parka

Vagabond     Gaze             Leopard      Sprinkle

Arabesque    Trellis            Topple       Triumph

Baroque        Warp            Rattle          Jasmine

Wasp            Guess           Yearn          Maroon         

Marionette     Hunger         Appeal        Monsoon    

Feelers          Ratchet         Jingle           Locks

Fire               Rust             Shuffle         Trapeze      

Leotard        Smoke          Traipse        Sapphire


Make lists of nouns and verbs to use when you feel the temptation to add adjectives or adverbs to your sentences.  Add to it when you come across words with rhythm or sensation.

When you do freewrites, play with nouns that can serve as verbs.  Add raspberries and gleam with truffles.

Creative Write:  Write for ten minutes using the words above. Try drawing vertical linesto connect them. Look for words in crosses. Circle words and let your eyes decide.  Bump and drive them across the page.  Go beyond!