A preposition, like a bridge, makes a connection.
The simple answer, to the relief of many, is that it is acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition. And what is a preposition? A preposition is a connecting word that shows the relation between a noun or a pronoun to another word in the sentence.
I live in New York.
In the above example, in is the preposition creating a relationship between the verb live and the noun New York.
We are accustomed to hearing and constructing sentences while conversing that end with a preposition—it is considered acceptable and it just sounds right. For instance, “Which car did she get into?” sounds like normal speech, as opposed to saying, “Into which car did she get?”
There are instances, however, when a preposition at the end of a sentence is unnecessary and incorrect, as in, “Where do you want to go to?” The to completing the sentence is not required to understand the intended meaning. In addition, it is redundant. Simply stating, “Where do you want to go?” provides a clear and concise sentence. We have a similar situation in the example, “Where have you been at?” Delete the at and the sentence correctly reads, “Where have you been?”
Some prepositions placed in the middle of a sentence are likewise incorrect. Let's take for example, “She jumped off of the trampoline.” In this composition, the preposition of is not needed. You can easily rewrite it, “She jumped off the trampoline,” and its meaning remains identical. The same can be done in the sentence, “The store is near to the intersection.” Simply delete the to so that the sentence reads, “The store is near the intersection.”
Although ending a sentence with a preposition is acceptable among many well-respected writers, editors, and language experts, there are many strict grammarians who maintain the belief that placing a preposition at the conclusion of a sentence is incorrect. For this reason, simply rewrite your sentences so that they do not end with a preposition when you are presenting a document that is critical. It is to your advantage to have your message read rather than to have it excluded due to a simple “misplaced” preposition.
I will gladly respond to email inquiries regarding grammar and punctuation issues. If you are having difficulty or just need clarification on a certain subject, please email me and I will do my best to cover the topic in a subsequent article.
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