Virginia W.
asked 12/13/12Can I end a sentence with a preposition?
Can I end a sentence with a preposition?
36 Answers By Expert Tutors
Lynne S. answered 01/05/13
Yes, you may definitely end a sentence with a preposition, when appropriate. There is no such rule against it anymore. I have worked in the professional world of publishing before I became interested in education, and so I am perhaps more aware of changes that have happened to the English language in the past few decades. It is an obsolete rule that was based on Latin. However, people eventually figured out that trying to apply Latin grammar rules to English is just silly.
For more information, please see: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ending-prepositions.aspx
and
http://lisakusko.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/lies-your-english-teacher-told-you/
Michael E.
This ^ is a good clarification that goes deeper into the connection between the past and present.
Caution for students: academic people are the slowest to adapt to language changes. Teachers hold the grades, so if they hold onto old traditions, follow the leader in that class.
However, I think it's safe to generalize from what everyone has said here: don't worry about this rule unless a teacher brings it up.
01/29/13
Sally E.
09/20/13
David M.
Bravo, Lynne, Michael, and Sally! Really, really well put.04/25/20
Jeff W.
It used to be frowned upon, but in recent times it's quite acceptable.03/09/21
Nicholas E.
English presents many opportunities to compose sentences that would just sound awkward if we had to rewrite them to avoid leaving a preposition at the end. For example: What are you waiting for? Awkward rephrasing: For what are you waiting?10/29/21
Marcia B.
Communication whether written or spoken should be clear and concise.11/10/21
Shelly H.
I just have to do it!!!! "May- I end a sentence with a preposition?" Sorry! I cannot help myself, it is a teacher issue... The word may asks permission or has to do with rules, while the word, "Can" has to do with ability or skill needed to complete the request. In Latin, we are not supposed to end a sentence in a preposition, but in English, the words- to, of, with - have been used by many authors to end sentences. To be safe, though, I would always see what your instructor believes... There are people that will argue this point.04/12/22
Monica D.
Firstly, it depends on the style of your composition. If it is a narrative essay or work of fiction, the rules of grammar are more relaxed. Previous answers given would certainly apply in those cases. If you are writing an academic essay, however, be advised that some instructors are strict when it comes to grammar rules. In short, my answer would be "no". Why? There are many ways to rewrite sentences that contain unclear or troublesome phrasing. It's not always a question of grammar, but also one of clarity in expression. Examples: "Where is the restaurant located at?" (incorrect and lacks conciseness) Rewrite: "Where is the restaurant located?" ("Located" is an intransitive verb when used in the form of a question: no preposition required.) Another option: Avoid the prepositional (phrase) altogether. "What is the location of the restaurant?" is grammatically correct, and it is more precise, if a longer sentence, in terms of usage. The intent and meaning of the question is clear. As a language teacher as well as a writing instructor, linguistics study indicates to me that in proper English (as well as in other languages), a preposition is used in specific instances, such as with a transitive verb or as part of a prepositional phrase. It almost always refers to an object noun that comes later in the sentence.11/16/22
Edward A. answered 03/08/18
Lauren F. answered 03/26/19
It is important to add to this thread that in Spanish and other romance languages, the rule is, indeed, important to follow. Students who are learning English may need to learn that it is okay in English.
"Look at those important people she is hanging out with"
"Mira a la gente importante con quien anda."
Holly W.
This is a good point about how languages can differ about a rule. Second language learners need to know these things. For example, a Spanish speaker needs to know that it's OK to put a preposition at the end of a sentence in English, while an English speaker needs to know that you can't do this in Spanish. As you all probably know, the tendency for beginning learners of a language is to do direct translation from their native language to the target language.07/17/20
Jennifer H. answered 03/24/20
Technically it's considered grammatically incorrect, though we do it all the time (especially when speaking). If you're writing an academic or professional document I would say it's better to see if there's a way to rearrange the sentence so that it works without ending with the preposition. In informal contexts, such as sending a text to a friend, it's totally fine. These "rules" are getting less and less nitpicky with time.
Olya T. answered 03/22/19
Because language is a living thing that changes with the times, grammar constructions once considered correct become obsolete. It used to be frowned upon to end a sentence with a preposition, but now it is acceptable.
Mary Q. answered 12/30/12
We regularly run into the situation when a sentence we initially write ends in what appears to be a preposition. Sometimes this occurs when we use phrasal verbs. These multiple-word verbs consist of a verb plus a preposition (called a particle in this usage) or adverb - which creates a meaning different from the original verb.
Often the phrasal verb terminates the sentence as in
“We will have the hotel keys once we check in.”
In this case, we could avoid using the “preposition” at the end by using the more formal word “register”, thus:
“We will have the hotel keys once we register.”
Read more at http://www.usingenglish.com, www.EnglishClub.com and others.
Holly W.
Great comment about phrasal verbs in which most particles are prepositions.07/17/20
Robert J. answered 12/13/12
Where are you from?
Erik L. answered 12/30/22
It is generally acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition in modern English. While there was a time when ending a sentence with a preposition was considered a grammatical error, this is no longer the case. However, it is still a good idea to try to place prepositions close to the words they govern in order to avoid confusion and improve the clarity of your writing.
For example, instead of writing "Where are you at?" it would be clearer to write "Where are you?"
It is also worth noting that while it is generally acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition in modern English, there may be times when it is more appropriate or more effective to rephrase the sentence in order to avoid ending with a preposition. For example, instead of writing "What are you talking about?" it might be more clear to write "About what are you talking?"
Ultimately, the most important thing is to communicate your thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively, and whether or not you end a sentence with a preposition is a secondary concern.
Best,
Erik L.
Heera S. answered 09/08/22
It will not make Grammar sense and will interfere with the mechanics and structure of the sentence.
Christina M. answered 08/13/22
It is not necessarily an error however its not as formal. I hope this helps. When creating any business proposal, research paper, or homework I advise students "not" to end the work with a preposition.
George B. answered 05/30/22
Well of course you can, the real question is if you should. Changes to grammatical rules are constantly in evolution.It seems that I read somewhere that perhaps John Donne had incorporated this rule however I really don’t know. English language now is much less eloquent than it has been in the past, in these days it’s acceptable in speech or in formal writing in the sentence with a preposition as long as it does not result in The immediate perception of ignorance. One can speak at a very eloquently while not following the medical rules. If anyone today could speak is Shakespeare and some idiot work to correct his grammar, it would be quite enyettsini
h. By their nature prepositions often indicate another word is to follow. One can simply revise the question easily and it will often sound much more fluid and eloquent. If choosing two in the sentence with a preposition, just ensure you don’t say something like “ where are you at?”, Which would immediately divulge ignorance
Abhilasha S. answered 01/24/22
No i can not end a sentence with preposition
Faris E. answered 12/02/21
You definitely can.
Here's an example: Who did you talk to?
Raymond B. answered 10/09/21
You can do anything you want with words. You can end a sentence with noun, verb, pronoun, adverb, proposition, whatever made up word you want.
Unless you're locked into the King James English. Like that escape artist Houdini locked in chains then dumped into the water, left to die. But we aren't all Houdini's. Few are.
Languages evolve. text messages thrive on brevity. That's really language's purpose, to convey meaning in the briefest, concisest manner. Add in accuracy, but that is sacrificed due to brevity. (the ABC's, accent on B's)
Linguists seem to believe language has devolved, unlike biology where Darwinists seem to believe we evolve. It's downhill for language. Maybe there once was a single language, as evolutionists trace us back to an "African Eve" and Judeo-Christians to a pre- Tower of Babel.
Dictionaries add new words yearly. Grammar evolves too.
Real question is whether the sentence or string of words or letters conveys the meaning in a briefer, conciser, accurate manner? Or do you want to waste everyone's time & effort listening to verbiage that is more like garbage, just to satisfy King James or the reigning monarch of the English language? If it's awkward or weird, strange or overly pedantic to avoid a preposition ending in a particular communication, maybe the monarch is too tyrannical.
The Spanish followed their Spanish King's Spanish and mimicked his lisp in pronouncing d as t. Do you really want to be that slavish a peasant?
In a very metaphorical idea (not to be taken literally) we should revolt, as the English teachers are revolting. Rise up. You have nothing to lose but your chains to archaic grammar rules. Hang the "teachers' in effigy, like the students do after their football coach blows another game too many. Freedom is liberating. Worst obedient slaves to grammar are court filings. Or employment resumes. A major reason for legal injustice and inefficient economies and unemployment.
but if you want to pass a course, do as the instructor wants. they run the show. go with whatever ridiculous things they want.
Alex L. answered 07/01/21
My dad, who went to Vanderbilt, told me a joke on this topic:
A freshman girl from Tennessee is moving into her Vanderbilt dorm when in walk her preppy new roommate and her mother. The Tennessee girl introduces herself and asks, "Where are y'all from?"
The preppy roommate sniffs and says, "Where I'm from, we don't end a sentence with a preposition."
The Tennessee girl nods and says, "I'm sorry, where are y'all from, bitch?"
That tells you all that you need to know.
Jacob A. answered 04/29/21
Virginia,
Yes, you can end a sentence with a proposition depending on context. In linguistics, we talk about the concept of register, which refers to the type of language used in certain linguistic situations. If you are in informal settings like talking to your friends at a bar, then you can end sentences with a proposition. This is common in everyday speech. In fact, you can even make this grammatical choice in fiction if you wish to set a more casual tone.
However, there are times when you cannot end a sentence with a proposition. You will see this grammatical form in academic writing because of the communicative setting (or event). In this situation, the audience expects a more formal tone, and thus a more formal register (or language). Again, context determines grammatical form.
Lisa K. answered 03/02/21
It is quite a common practice, so I wouldn't worry about it unless your teacher is a stickler. Here are three ways to say the same thing, but be warned that one of these "rights" sounds oh so wrong lol
- Ending with the preposition: My teacher said that ending a sentence with a preposition is a practice they will not put up with.
- Rephrasing: My teacher said they will not put up with the practice of ending a sentence with a preposition.
- Grammatically correct, but um...awkward and pretentious: My teacher said that ending a sentence with a preposition is a practice up with which they shall not put.
Monica K. answered 01/19/21
Yes, you may end a sentence with a preposition in some cases; for a few examples:
I wish I could go to the dance tonight, but I have no one to go with.
My sister gave me a beautiful, delicate necklace, and I found a nice jar to keep it in.
There was chaos all around me because of the earthquake, but I had nowhere to run to.
In these cases, the preposition usually follows a verb in the infinitive form, and it points to the intended person, place, or thing.
Louis P. answered 12/15/20
Wow! What a hodgepodge of answers. So many people with so many different views, some trying to impress, some just long winded and some that are right on the mark (whatever the mark is :-) ).
Language is constantly changing and those changes are usually generated by common usage. What was incorrect once becomes "correct" at a later time. In my opinion, the most important insights were the ones that advised taking into account those to whom you are writing for. --That sentence ends with a preposition, a needless one, or so it seems, but it adds clarity since writing to a person or group does not tell one the purpose of your piece.
Now I'm getting long winded so I'll quit right here.
Robert S. answered 09/06/20
Hello, Lynne,
I am surprised, but pleased, with the responses you received on this topic. I believe that many agree with my belief that ending a sentence in a preposition is technically incorrect, so avoid it where convenient. But some phrases have become accepted idioms, so don't fight what sounds natural.
This brings me to the question of starting sentences with "But," or "And" Did you notice I started a sentence above with "But?" And did that bother anyone? Did my "And" seem out of place? No, it conveyed a sense that I'm perhaps a little testy on the matter. And in that regard, it works.
Sometimes those two words (But and And) can be used to emphasize or strengthen a point. It is perfectly OK to use them in some cases. But don't go overboard. See? Short and simple. Better than "However, don't go overboard," unless you need to fill a page with longer words. And easier to read. [Agree?]
Bob
Rabbi G. answered 06/13/20
A humorist once stated the rule thus: “Never use a preposition to end up a sentence with.”
Michael G. answered 05/14/20
The succinct answer is yes, you may end sentences with a preposition. However, I encourage you to write in an active tense and place prepositions in the middle. Thus way you write thinking of the needs of your audience.
Lorri sue B. answered 02/16/20
We constantly ask people questions that end with prepositions:
"Where are you from?"
"What time did you get in at?"
We don't say "From where do you come?" at a sorority party because everyone within earshot would move to the other side of the room and think you're pretentious and annoying.
Usage and grammar are two different things. Substandard English is fine and we use it intermittently all day long, but always consider your audience when thinking about level of formality.
In an academic paper, avoid using prepositions to end a sentence. It's typically discouraged and sounds unprofessional.
Luciana L. answered 11/28/19
Until relatively recently it was considered unpolished to end a sentence with a preposition. However, there are no grammar rules being broken by using a preposition at the end of a sentence. English is a modern language and it is constantly evolving. It is also a speaking-focused language (versus writing-focused) which means that its colloquial form is not necessarily regarded unpolished unless the grammar used by the speaker is poor.
Oliver W. answered 04/11/19
Wow. With one or two exceptions toward the end, the thirteen prior answers to this question are wrong. Ending a sentence with a preposition violates no grammar rule. That's why no grammar rule is cited. There's no rule against starting a sentence with And or But, yet this hasn't deterred the legions who say otherwise.
Alisa D.
I have to disagree with you Oliver on starting a sentence with And / But...this absolutely violates writing mechanics rules. And and But are part of the FANBOYS, or coordinating conjunction family. One of their special jobs (as opposed to subordinating conjunctions) is to connect one sentence to another. This can only be achieved with a coordinating conjunction or a semi-colon. The punctuation rule is: Sentence 1, (comma) coordinating conjunction sentence 2. For example: Jane and Mary left for school, but Emily stayed home. This effectively means you can not start a sentence with AND or BUT (or any of the other FANBOYS). That said, it is often done in creative writing, but should be avoided in academic papers. (Note this last sentence.)04/05/20
Fawzia T.
Agree. Though I think you mean connecting two clauses, not two sentences.07/18/20
Clement T. answered 11/16/15
Charlene R. answered 05/05/14
William G. answered 12/15/12
While the technical answer is no, there are times when a sentence sounds better ending with a preposition. Once when Winston Churchill was adonished by an aide that he ended too many sentences with prepositions, Churchill replied, "That is the kind of thing up with which we cannot put." Churchill's obvious point is that ending the sentence with the preposition "with" sounds far better than the infelicitous sound of ending the sentence with "put." The answer, then, is try to avoid ending sentences with prepositions unless it harms the sound and rhythm of the sentence.
Ingrid N. answered 02/02/15
IN: What are you going to put your paint in?
OF: Who are you thinking of? (Of whom are you thinking?)
WITH: Which hand do you write with?
AT: My dad taught me to NEVER end a sentence with AT. I would ask, "Where is the dog at?" and he would say, "Between the A and the T in AT."
Jonathan B. answered 02/12/13
No... technically. If the teacher allows it, it is much easier (and more contemporary) to do so. You are supposed to reword your sentence in order for that not to happen but what is the fun in that? I would TRY to restructure first
Lori W. answered 01/29/13
This sentence ends with a preposition. ;)
Michael E. answered 01/24/13
I would like to support and clarify previous correct answers: Yes, it's technically incorrect, but many people prefer to use the way that sounds best, which teachers often allow (or put up with.)
However, it is also worth noting that many prepositions become adverbs in a different context. Ending a sentence with an adverb is appropriate, and in some cases, that's why it "sounds good."
A previous example suggests we "register" at a hotel, but it's perfectly correct to say "I will check in." This sentence does not end with a preposition. In this context, "in" is actually an adverb that modifies the word "check." It's also an accepted/correct idiom. (More on correct idioms later. Hint: someone should ask about "SAT idioms.")
Noureddine D. answered 12/24/12
I will advise you not to end a sentence with a preposition because at certain level you mentor will put a question mark in front of it. or will say what? where? who? However, some sentences occasionally, but not often are bound to be finished with a preposition.
Pat F. answered 12/17/12
sometimes you have to
Thomas M.
"...do this." is the implied ending of this sentence and should be added to the end of it.
12/17/12
Breanna K. answered 12/13/12
Technically, no. The previous answer is a common question, and not many people would instead say it differently. In most cases, the preposition isn't even necessary. E.g. Where are you going to? What'd you do that for? (Instead, "Why'd you do that?")
Mary Stuart S. answered 01/28/14
Stephen W.
03/29/14
Kenneth S.
09/15/14
Howard S.
You can but in some English classes you may not because it may do you in. Enjoy.05/14/20
Howard S.
You TUTOR You can but in some English classes you may not because it may do you in. Enjoy.05/14/20
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Elizabeth B.
One is still officially supposed to avoid ending sentences with prepositions. In most cases, this is not hard to do: "Who are you going with?" becomes "With whom are you going?" Or, "I was making cake and decided to put chocolate chips in" becomes "I was making cake and decided to add chocolate chips."
The common tactics are: for whom (for "who for), in which, that which, from which, etc. This lets you put the prepostion in the middle of the sentence and end with a stronger part of speech (noun, verb, adj., adverb). However, the famous silly argument against following the preposition rule is: "Ending a sentence with a preposition is something for which I will not put!" Clearly, here, the sensible alternative could be, "I will not tolerate writers who end sentences with a preposition." It sounds a little silly, because you just did end with "a preposition," but "preposition" is technically a noun, so it's okay anyway. In general, it's not hard to avoid ending with prepositions once you become aware of them and practice a bit. Regardless of recent carelessness in many texts and test prep books, it is still better writing to avoid breaking this rule.
03/05/13