Io e lui

"Io e lui" is an Italian phrase that translates directly to "me and him" or "I and him" in English. Grammatically, the correct formal construction should be "lui e io" ("him and I") when used as the subject of a sentence. However, the phrase "io e lui" is extremely common in spoken Italian and informal writing, even when it functions as the subject.

Usage dictates that when “io e lui” (or "lui e io") is the subject of a verb, the verb must be conjugated in the first person plural (we).

While technically less formal in subject positions, "io e lui" can also be used in other contexts, such as after a preposition (e.g., "con io e lui" - with me and him) where the nominative case rule doesn't strictly apply. In these instances, "io e lui" is more acceptable, mirroring similar informal pronoun usage in other languages.

The choice between "io e lui" and "lui e io" often depends on context, register (formal or informal), and personal preference, with "lui e io" being preferred in more formal settings, particularly in written Italian. However, the informality and frequency of "io e lui" make it a widely understood and accepted phrase in most situations.