Can you end a sentence with a preposition? Learn the truth behind this grammar myth, its history, modern rules, and correct usage with clear examples.
Can You End a Sentence with a Preposition?
Yes—you absolutely can end a sentence with a preposition.
Despite what many of us were told in school, ending a sentence with words like with, to, of, for, or at is perfectly acceptable in modern English.
This article explains what prepositions are, why this “rule” exists, where it came from, why it refuses to die, and how you should actually handle prepositions in real writing today.
What Is a Preposition?
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in a sentence. Common prepositions include:
- with
- to
- of
- for
- at
- in
- on
- by
- through
Examples:
- She sat on the chair.
- This is the book I was talking about.
- Who are you going with?
In the last two examples, the preposition appears at the end of the sentence—and that is completely natural English.
What to Know (The Short Answer)
- Ending a sentence with a preposition is grammatically correct.
- There is no rule in English that forbids it.
- The idea that it is “wrong” comes from historical opinions, not from how English actually works.
- Most modern grammar experts and style guides agree it is fine.
The Myth: “You Must Never End a Sentence with a Preposition”
Many people strongly believe this rule, even today. You may still hear comments like:
- “No sentence should end in a preposition.”
- “That’s bad English.”
- “Rewrite it so the preposition isn’t at the end.”
However, these claims are based on tradition, not grammar.
To understand why this belief exists, we need to look at history.
Where Did This Rule Come From?
The Latin Influence
English grammar was heavily influenced by Latin during the 17th and 18th centuries. In Latin:
- Prepositions cannot appear at the end of a sentence.
- They must always come before the words they govern.
Some early English grammarians believed English should follow the same structure as Latin. This was a mistake, because English and Latin are completely different languages.
Trying to force English to behave like Latin is like trying to make a bicycle work like a train.
Early Grammarians and Their Opinions
In the 1600s, a few writers criticized sentence-ending prepositions because they felt the structure was “inelegant.” These criticisms were personal preferences, not descriptions of how English naturally works.
Over time:
- These opinions were repeated.
- Teachers began treating them as rules.
- Students memorized them.
- The myth became “common knowledge.”
This is how a style preference slowly turned into a false grammar law.
Why the Rule Refuses to Die
Even though linguists and grammar experts have rejected this rule for over a century, it still survives. Why?
1. School Teaching Habits
Many teachers learned the rule themselves and passed it on without questioning it.
2. Desire for “Formal” English
Some people believe avoiding terminal prepositions makes writing sound more educated or refined.
3. Correction Culture
Correcting grammar gives some people a sense of authority—even when the correction is wrong.
4. Fake Famous Quotes
A commonly repeated quote mocks sentence-ending prepositions by twisting English into something unnatural. The quote is famous, memorable, and misleading—so it sticks.
Why Forcing the Rule Can Make Writing Worse
Avoiding terminal prepositions at all costs often results in:
- Awkward sentences
- Unnatural word order
- Confusing phrasing
- Stiff, old-fashioned tone
Compare these:
- Natural:
This is the topic I’m interested in. - Forced:
This is the topic in which I’m interested.
The second sentence is not wrong—but it is less natural, especially in everyday writing.
Preposition Stranding: The Linguistic Term
Ending a sentence with a preposition is known as:
- Preposition stranding
- Sentence-terminal prepositions
This structure is normal and deeply rooted in English. It appears in:
- Everyday speech
- Literature
- Journalism
- Academic writing
- Professional communication
In fact, avoiding it completely would make English sound artificial.
What Modern Grammar Experts Agree On
For more than 100 years, grammar and usage guides have agreed:
- Ending a sentence with a preposition is correct.
- There is no grammatical reason to ban it.
- Clarity and natural flow matter more than outdated rules.
The issue is settled among experts—even if public opinion lags behind.
So Why Do Some Editors and Readers Still Object?
You can still find letters to editors complaining about sentences like:
- “Here’s where we’re at.”
- “That’s what I was talking about.”
- “Who are you going with?”
These objections are based on belief, not evidence. Language changes slowly in public consciousness, and grammar myths can survive for generations.
When You Might Choose to Avoid It
Although it is correct, you may choose to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition when:
- Writing very formal or ceremonial prose
- Following a strict house style guide
- Revising for clarity in complex sentences
The key word is choice, not obligation.
The Real Rule You Should Follow
Here is the rule that actually matters:
Write in a way that is clear, natural, and appropriate for your audience.
If a sentence sounds better with a preposition at the end, use it.
If it sounds better without one, rewrite it.
Final Thoughts
- Ending a sentence with a preposition is not wrong.
- It is a natural feature of English.
- The “rule” against it is a historical misunderstanding.
- You are free to use or avoid terminal prepositions—just don’t claim one choice is the law of grammar.
So go ahead and write the sentence you’re comfortable with.
That’s good English to end on.
