Ending a Sentence with a Preposition: Does It Make or Break Grammar?

Perhaps you’ve been taught ending a sentence with a preposition that is a grammatical mistake, or maybe you’ve heard it from someone else. But the truth is, ending a sentence with a preposition is not only commonly acceptable but also sometimes the best option. In this article, we’ll explore the rules of ending a sentence with a preposition and when it’s appropriate to do so.

Ending Sentences with a Preposition – Image

The ‘Rule’ of Not Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

First, please read these examples:

Who are you going with?
What are you waiting for?
Where did you get that from?
What did you step on?

These sentences end in prepositions, and it’s perfectly acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition, especially in informal contexts. However, for formal contexts, some grammarians argue that it’s not sensible to end a sentence with a preposition. To avoid using prepositions at the end, the sentences should look like this:

Instead of “What are you applying for?”, say “For what are you applying?”
Instead of “Where are you from?”, say “From where do you come?”
Instead of “Who did you give the book to?”, say “To whom did you give the book?”

This so-called rule has been around for centuries, but its origins are somewhat murky.

The prohibition against ending a sentence with a preposition can be traced back to the 17th century, when some grammarians began to argue that it was incorrect to do so. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the rule really took hold.

One of the most influential figures in the development of this rule was Robert Lowth, an Anglican bishop who wrote a popular grammar book in 1762. In this book, Lowth argued that ending a sentence with a preposition was a mistake. This view was widely adopted, and the rule became an accepted part of English grammar.

However, it’s worth noting that not everyone agreed with Lowth’s position. Some writers and grammarians continued to use prepositions at the end of sentences, and they argued that there was no real reason to avoid doing so.

Over time, the rule against ending a sentence with a preposition has become less strict. Today, many people consider it perfectly acceptable to use prepositions at the end of sentences. However, there are still some who believe that it is incorrect to do so.

In the end, the debate over this rule is likely to continue for years to come. But regardless of where you stand on the issue, it’s important to remember that there is no one “right” way to use prepositions in English. As with many aspects of language, the best approach is to use your judgment and follow the conventions that are most appropriate for your audience and context.

Grammatical Arguments for Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

Preposition Stranding

One of the main arguments for ending a sentence with a preposition is called preposition stranding. This is a linguistic term that refers to the practice of leaving a preposition at the end of a sentence instead of moving it to the beginning or middle of the sentence.

For example, consider the sentence “What are you looking for?” This sentence ends with the preposition “for,” which is perfectly acceptable in English grammar. In fact, moving the preposition to the beginning of the sentence (“For what are you looking?”) or to the middle of the sentence (“What are you looking for, exactly?”) can sound awkward and unnatural.

Preposition stranding is commonly used in everyday speech and writing, and it is perfectly acceptable in most situations. However, there are some cases where it may be more appropriate to move the preposition to the beginning or middle of the sentence for clarity or emphasis.

Phrasal Verbs

Another argument for ending a sentence with a preposition is related to phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs are verbs that consist of a main verb and one or more prepositions or particles. For example, “look up” and “give in” are both phrasal verbs.

When using phrasal verbs, it is common to end a sentence with a preposition. For example, “I’m going to find him out” is grammatically correct.

In fact, trying to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition when using phrasal verbs can lead to awkward and unnatural-sounding sentences. For example, “I’m going to find out him” is very awkward.

When It’s Appropriate to End a Sentence with a Preposition

Using Phrasal Verbs

One of the most common situations where it is appropriate to end a sentence with a preposition is when using phrasal verbs. Phrasal verbs are verbs that consist of a main verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs). Some examples of common phrasal verbs include:

Look up
Give in
Put off
Take on

In these cases, the preposition is an integral part of the verb and cannot be separated from it. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition when using a phrasal verb.

Asking Questions

Another situation where it is appropriate to end a sentence with a preposition is when asking questions. In English, it is common to use question words such as “what,” “where,” “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “why,” and “how” at the end of a sentence. For example:

What are you looking at?
Where did you come from?
Who are you talking to?
Whom are you referring to?
Whose book is this?
Why did you do that?
How did you get here?

In these cases, the preposition is part of the question word and cannot be separated from it. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition when asking a question.

Informal Writing and Speaking

In informal writing and speaking, it is generally acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition. This includes situations such as emails, text messages, and casual conversations. In these cases, the most important thing is to communicate clearly and effectively, rather than adhering to strict grammar rules.

However, in formal writing such as academic papers, professional reports, and business correspondence, it is still best to avoid ending sentences with prepositions. In these situations, it is important to maintain a high level of professionalism and adhere to standard grammar rules.

When It’s Not Appropriate to End a Sentence with a Preposition

While it is generally acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition, there are some situations where it may not be appropriate. Here are a few instances where it may be better to rephrase the sentence:

Clarity

In some cases, ending a sentence with a preposition can make the meaning of the sentence unclear. This is especially true when the preposition is separated from its object, making it difficult to determine what the preposition is referring to. In these cases, it may be better to rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Example:

Incorrect: Who was the book written by?
Correct: By whom was the book written?

Emphasis

In certain situations, ending a sentence with a preposition can weaken the emphasis of the sentence. This is because the preposition can distract from the main point of the sentence. In these cases, it may be better to rephrase the sentence to place more emphasis on the main point.

Example:

Incorrect: What are you waiting for?
Correct: For what are you waiting?

Common Misconceptions About Ending a Sentence with a Preposition

It’s Always Wrong to End a Sentence with a Preposition

This is probably the most widespread misconception about ending a sentence with a preposition. The truth is, there are many situations where it’s perfectly acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition. In fact, sometimes it’s the best option.

For example, take a look at the following sentence: “What are you waiting for?” If we were to try to rephrase this sentence to avoid ending with a preposition, we would end up with something like “For what are you waiting?” which sounds awkward and stilted.

Ending a Sentence with a Preposition is Always Informal

While it’s true that ending a sentence with a preposition can sometimes make a sentence sound more informal, it’s not always the case. In fact, there are many situations where ending a sentence with a preposition can actually make it sound more formal.

For example, take a look at the following sentence: “With whom are you speaking?” This sentence sounds more formal than “Who are you speaking with?” even though they mean the same thing.

Ending a Sentence with a Preposition is a Grammar Error

This is a common misconception, but it’s simply not true. While some people may still believe that ending a sentence with a preposition is a grammar error, it’s actually perfectly acceptable in many situations.

It’s important to remember that language is constantly evolving, and what may have been considered incorrect in the past may now be perfectly acceptable. In fact, many of the most respected writers in the English language, including Shakespeare and Jane Austen, frequently ended sentences with prepositions.

Tips for Writing and Speaking

When it comes to ending a sentence with a preposition, there are a few tips that can help you write and speak more effectively.

Tip 1: Be aware of the context

Before deciding whether to end a sentence with a preposition, it’s important to consider the context. In some cases, ending a sentence with a preposition can sound perfectly natural and even improve the flow of your writing or speech. However, in other cases, it may sound awkward or unclear.

Tip 2: Use alternatives when possible

If you’re unsure whether to end a sentence with a preposition, try using an alternative construction instead. For example, instead of saying “Where are you going to?”, you could say “To where are you going?” This construction may sound more formal, but it can help you avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.

Tip 3: Consider your audience

When deciding whether to end a sentence with a preposition, it’s important to consider your audience. In some cases, such as in formal writing or academic settings, ending a sentence with a preposition may be frowned upon. However, in other contexts, such as in casual conversation or informal writing, ending a sentence with a preposition may be perfectly acceptable.

Tip 4: Practice, practice, practice

Like any aspect of grammar, mastering the use of prepositions takes practice. Try incorporating different constructions into your writing and speech, and pay attention to how they sound and feel. With time and practice, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your use of prepositions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you end a sentence with a preposition?

Yes, you can end a sentence with a preposition in English grammar. It is a common myth that ending a sentence with a preposition is grammatically incorrect. In fact, it is a perfectly acceptable practice in modern English.

What is a preposition?

A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. Examples of prepositions include “in,” “on,” “at,” “to,” “with,” “from,” and “for.”

What is an example of a preposition in an ending sentence?

An example of a preposition in an ending sentence is “What are you looking at?” The preposition “at” shows the relationship between the pronoun “you” and the object of the sentence “what.”

What is a dangling preposition?

A dangling preposition is a preposition that appears at the end of a sentence without a noun or pronoun to which it can refer. For example, “Where are you going to?” is a sentence with a dangling preposition. It should be written as “Where are you going?”

Which preposition is used with end?

The preposition “with” is commonly used with the word “end.” For example, “I will end with a summary of my main points.”

Is it OK to end a sentence with for?

Yes, it is acceptable to end a sentence with “for” in certain cases. For example, “What did you do that for?” is a grammatically correct sentence. However, it is important to avoid using “for” as a dangling preposition.

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