Choose the correct sentence from the following

Concept

In a comparison using “than”, “than” functions as a conjunction that joins two clauses. The second clause is usually shortened, but its verb is still understood. Because the pronoun after “than” is the subject of that understood verb, it must take the subjective (nominative) case: I, he, she, we, they — not the object case (me, him, her), not the possessive (mine), and not a reflexive (myself).

Application

The sentence “George ran faster than ___” expands to “George ran faster than ___ ran.” The blank is the subject of the recovered verb “ran,” so it needs a subject pronoun:

• Recover the hidden verb: “… than I ran.”

• Test by completing the clause: “than I ran” is grammatical; the pronoun acts as a subject, so the subjective form I is required.

Therefore the correct sentence is “George ran faster than I.”

Cross-check

Apply the “add the verb” test to each alternative. “than I ran” works; “than me ran,” “than mine ran,” and “than myself ran” are all impossible, which confirms only the subjective pronoun fits. (Note: in casual modern speech “than me” is widely heard, but formal and exam grammar follows the conjunction rule.)