top of page

Prepositions: A Bad Ending ... or Is It?

Updated: Jun 7, 2022

Uncovering the Mystery of Prepositions

By Michael Heath / selfpublishingUS.com

There is an old saw that sentences should never end with a preposition but doing so does not always have to offend English teachers. Structuring a sentence that way is not grammatically correct in the strictest sense but is sometimes acceptable for reasons of common language. That is, a prepositional finish may sound better because it is what we are used to hearing in everyday speech.


What is a Preposition?

The Britannica Dictionary defines a preposition as a word or group of words that is used with a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object. Its main purpose is to connect a word or phrase with a word or phrase.

Examples:

  • The woman is jogging toward the finish line. (direction)

  • A crystal lamp is on the table. (location)

  • The event will take place in May. (time)

  • Many people died of the flu. (Introduces an object)


Ending a sentence with a preposition.

It is important in writing to convey ideas in a clear way. Sometimes ending a sentence with a preposition is less awkward or confusing.

Examples:

  • What are you hungry for?

  • Where is he from?

  • Who is the new car for?

  • The dinner had not been paid for.

Could you imagine saying ā€œFor what are you hungry?ā€ or ā€œFrom where is he?ā€ or ā€œFor Whom is the new car?ā€ Today, sentences like this sound stilted and could draw sideways glances. ā€œPayment for dinner had not been made.ā€ is not as stuffy as the preceding examples but may not work well in a casual setting.


Too Many Prepositions Can Be a Bad Thing

There used to be a time when newscasters were the guardians of proper English, but from what I hear coming from many of their mouths those days are gone. One common infraction is ending sentences with an extra preposition.


Wrong: This is where we are at.


Correct: This is where we are.


Wrong: In what bus will the students be going in?


Correct: In what bus will the students be going?


Formal v. Informal

While ending a sentence with a preposition may be colloquially allowable, it is more of a style thing that is considered by many grammarians to be unorthodox. With formal writing, it is recommended to avoid structuring a sentence that finishes with a preposition. Following stricter grammar guidelines will result in improved syntax and go a long way to keeping the English teachers happy.


Check your use of prepositions

consider having your manuscript professionally edited before going to print.



82 views0 comments
bottom of page