This is probably too simple. I have spoken what I like to think is passable English all my life, but don't know the rules any longer, if I ever did. I can't tell a gerund from a predicate, so I have to speak and write by "the seat of my pants". A fairly common expression that just doesn't seem right to me is, "My brother is older than me". I either say, "my brother is older than I am", or - because that sounds a little awkward, I avoid it by saying, "I am younger than my brother". What should I say in future?

I would advise you to continue to say "My brother is older than I am." This has the great advantage of offending no one. If you say "My brother is older than I," you'll be called things like prissy and prim. If you say "My brother is older than me," the grammar police will come after you like gangbusters.

P.S. You have a brother older than you? I find that hard to believe!

Nice p.s. Maiku ! (Agreed)

Thanks, maiku. I find it hard to believe that you can know so much at such a tender age. And now that I think about it, I believe fourbrick is the guy that said I've been around since the earth cooled.

Since before the Dead Sea reported sick, maybe, or were you perhaps Pontius' flying instructor when he was a Pilate?

Not guilty, Frank. I would never say that about our most revered senior contributor. By the way, how IS your brother?

I've been in the same situation.

Although I know it's improper grammar, in conversation, I sometimes do say "older than me" so I don't sound "snooty."

Maiku - I often do what you advised:
Say "older than I am" or "I am younger than."

PS - Don't feel bad, Frankvan - Age is relative.
(My daughter thinks I was God's baby-sitter! )