Thursday, January 9, 2020

syntax - Is ending a sentence with a preposition acceptable?


When I learned English at school, I was taught that I should not end a sentence with a preposition.


Is it correct to end a sentence with a preposition?


To avoid starting a sentence with a conjunction, I don't write sentences similar to "I miss you. And your kisses." Is there a similar way to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition?



Answer



Ending sentences with prepositions is controversial to some. This rule was taken from Latin, and that is probably the rule that you were taught. However, imposing rules of Latin grammar on English usage is nonsense. Sometimes it is correct to end a sentence with a preposition, but not always.


You should avoid usage such as "Where are you at?" because "at" is superfluous. It should be, "Where are you?"



However, "Where did you come from?" is acceptable. The alternate form, "From where did you come?" would seem awkward to a native speaker.


At least in formal writing, it is best to avoid ending sentences with prepositions as long as there is an alternative that is not terribly awkward.


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