Virginia W.
asked 12/13/12Can I end a sentence with a preposition?
Can I end a sentence with a preposition?
28 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
Edward A. answered 03/08/18
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.
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
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?
Lisa K. answered 17h
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.
Charles C. answered 11/26/20
"You should never end a sentence with a preposition" is a general rule, with a few exceptions. Because English grammar is heavily influenced by Latin grammar rules, English also follows this rule that was designed to make Latin sentences look elegant. However, that rule is old and dated and in modern English, it is okay in some commonly used sentences to end a sentence with a preposition. In a language such as Spanish which also follows rules influenced by Latin, it is not okay to end a sentence with a preposition. So nowadays, everyone says "Where are you from?" instead of "From where are you?" both in spoken and written English.
If you have a teacher who insists on old English rules, then follow their guidance. Otherwise, it is both stylishly and technically proper to end a sentence with a preposition for commonly used sentences. So it is proper to say "Where are you from?" But it is improper to say "Where is he going to?" Instead you should say "Where is he going?"
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
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."
Charlene R. answered 05/05/14
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