Answer: Why is it incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition?
...with examples from Stargate Atlantis...
Question: Why is it incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition?
(For information and a list of common prepositions, check out the Grammar 101 post on Prepositions & Phrases.)
Technically speaking, it's not always incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition. Every hardcopy and online source I've checked supports that it's, in fact, a common myth that the English language contains a rule banning such placement of prepositions. The deep-seated philosophy against using prepositions at the ends of sentences is actually associated with Latin grammar, and while many aspects of Latin have made their way into the English language, this particular grammar rule simply doesn't fit the structure of modern English.
The English language is a work in progress of sorts, with trends in word usage, phrasing, and idioms changing from decade to decade. Modern language practices, both oral and written, have moved away from flowery, complicated language and toward having a more natural flow.
The main argument for ignoring the so-called rule is naturalness. Overzealous avoidance of end-of-sentence prepositions can lead to some incredibly artificial, unnatural-sounding sentences. Since the purpose of writing is to clearly communicate your thoughts and ideas, it's acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition if the alternative would create awkwardness or confusion.
Consider the following two sentences:
Where is Sheppard from?
From where is Sheppard?
Which of the two sentences are you or the character(s) you're writing more likely to use?
While there's no clearly defined rule regarding the placement of prepositions, there are instances where it's better to avoid ending sentences with them, as well as times when it's preferable to end with a preposition. Keep in mind the following guidelines:
If you're aiming for a simple, conversational feel to your piece, don't be concerned with adhering to a nonexistent rule.
Consider your characters and audience. What would your characters say? What would your audience say? If they are grammarians or strict about rules, avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.
If a sentence wouldn't make sense without a preposition at the end, leave the preposition attached to the end of the sentence. For example: Rodney, what did you step on? If you remove the preposition on, the sentence loses its meaning, thus it's acceptable to leave the preposition at the end of this and similar sentences.
If trying to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition creates unnecessary and awkward phrasing, consider placing the preposition at the end of the sentence.
Don't use unnecessary prepositions, either at the end or in the middle of a sentence. If you can leave off the preposition, and it doesn't change the meaning, you should leave it off. Where will Teyla be meeting you at? sounds better aloud and looks better on paper as Where will Teyla be meeting you?.
If a sentence is unusually long, and the ending preposition would be a long distance from its object, try to avoid ending with the preposition. For example: Where'd you get that information about the new Wraith technology from? Try rearranging the sentence to avoid the ending preposition, or leave off from altogether.
When trying to build credibility, do your best to avoid ending sentences with prepositions.
Summary
Contrary to popular opinion, no rule states that it is incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition. However, you shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition when you have a graceful alternative. Everyone is so afraid of being embarrassed if they think they might be corrected that we end up with some bizarre, ugly sentences caused by avoiding that final preposition. Stop thinking so much and try going with what comes naturally.
Resources:
Dictionary.com
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition (William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White)
Fowler's Modern English Usage, Second Edition (Sir Ernest Gowers)
Grammar and Usage for the Non-expert
The Grammar Curmudgeon
The Oxford Companion to the English Language (Tom McArthur)
Quick and Dirty Tips
suite101.com
WikiAnswers.com
wiseGEEK.com
WordPlayBlog.com
YourDictionary.com
Question: Why is it incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition?
(For information and a list of common prepositions, check out the Grammar 101 post on Prepositions & Phrases.)
Technically speaking, it's not always incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition. Every hardcopy and online source I've checked supports that it's, in fact, a common myth that the English language contains a rule banning such placement of prepositions. The deep-seated philosophy against using prepositions at the ends of sentences is actually associated with Latin grammar, and while many aspects of Latin have made their way into the English language, this particular grammar rule simply doesn't fit the structure of modern English.
The English language is a work in progress of sorts, with trends in word usage, phrasing, and idioms changing from decade to decade. Modern language practices, both oral and written, have moved away from flowery, complicated language and toward having a more natural flow.
The main argument for ignoring the so-called rule is naturalness. Overzealous avoidance of end-of-sentence prepositions can lead to some incredibly artificial, unnatural-sounding sentences. Since the purpose of writing is to clearly communicate your thoughts and ideas, it's acceptable to end a sentence with a preposition if the alternative would create awkwardness or confusion.
Consider the following two sentences:
Where is Sheppard from?
From where is Sheppard?
Which of the two sentences are you or the character(s) you're writing more likely to use?
While there's no clearly defined rule regarding the placement of prepositions, there are instances where it's better to avoid ending sentences with them, as well as times when it's preferable to end with a preposition. Keep in mind the following guidelines:
If you're aiming for a simple, conversational feel to your piece, don't be concerned with adhering to a nonexistent rule.
Consider your characters and audience. What would your characters say? What would your audience say? If they are grammarians or strict about rules, avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.
If a sentence wouldn't make sense without a preposition at the end, leave the preposition attached to the end of the sentence. For example: Rodney, what did you step on? If you remove the preposition on, the sentence loses its meaning, thus it's acceptable to leave the preposition at the end of this and similar sentences.
If trying to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition creates unnecessary and awkward phrasing, consider placing the preposition at the end of the sentence.
Don't use unnecessary prepositions, either at the end or in the middle of a sentence. If you can leave off the preposition, and it doesn't change the meaning, you should leave it off. Where will Teyla be meeting you at? sounds better aloud and looks better on paper as Where will Teyla be meeting you?.
If a sentence is unusually long, and the ending preposition would be a long distance from its object, try to avoid ending with the preposition. For example: Where'd you get that information about the new Wraith technology from? Try rearranging the sentence to avoid the ending preposition, or leave off from altogether.
When trying to build credibility, do your best to avoid ending sentences with prepositions.
Summary
Contrary to popular opinion, no rule states that it is incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition. However, you shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition when you have a graceful alternative. Everyone is so afraid of being embarrassed if they think they might be corrected that we end up with some bizarre, ugly sentences caused by avoiding that final preposition. Stop thinking so much and try going with what comes naturally.
Resources:
Dictionary.com
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition (William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White)
Fowler's Modern English Usage, Second Edition (Sir Ernest Gowers)
Grammar and Usage for the Non-expert
The Grammar Curmudgeon
The Oxford Companion to the English Language (Tom McArthur)
Quick and Dirty Tips
suite101.com
WikiAnswers.com
wiseGEEK.com
WordPlayBlog.com
YourDictionary.com