Terminal prepositions | The parts of speech | Grammar | Khan Academy

TL;DR

Ending sentences with prepositions is grammatically correct in English, despite centuries of language authorities saying otherwise.

Transcript

• [Voiceover] Hello grammarians. Today, I wanna talk about ending sentences with prepositions, and I wanna tell you, straight up, it is totally okay. Like, it is perfectly grammatically correct and sensible and fine to end sentences with prepositions in English. And if you don't know what I mean, that's fine. Let me throw out some examples. "It's a... Read More

Key Insights

• ❤️‍🩹 Ending sentences with prepositions is grammatically correct in English.
• ❤️‍🩹 Language authorities have perpetuated the idea that ending sentences with prepositions is incorrect, despite it being unfounded.
• ❤️‍🩹 Attempts to make English grammar more like Latin grammar have contributed to the belief that ending sentences with prepositions is incorrect.
• 😒 Winston Churchill's use of a sentence with a preposition at the end showcases the clunkiness of avoiding such constructions.
• 😚 Latin's word order rules are different from English's, making it easier to rearrange sentences without losing meaning.
• 🥺 English speakers have historically had an uncomfortable relationship with Latin, leading to attempts to Latinize English grammar.
• 📏 English is a Germanic language with its own grammar rules, distinct from Latin.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is it grammatically correct to end sentences with prepositions?

Yes, it is perfectly grammatically correct to end sentences with prepositions in English. Despite centuries of authorities saying otherwise, this is a language superstition that has no basis in grammar.

Q: Why did people believe that ending sentences with prepositions was incorrect?

The belief can be traced back to attempts to make English grammar more like Latin grammar, which was considered the language of scholarship and power during that time.

Q: Are there any examples of well-known individuals who have been critical of ending sentences with prepositions?

Yes, Winston Churchill is often attributed with the statement, "That is something with which up I will not put." This statement highlights how clunky the avoidance of ending a sentence with a preposition can be.

Q: What is the difference between Latin and English in terms of prepositions?

In Latin, prepositions must be positioned before the word they are attached to, regardless of the sentence's word order. In English, while it may sound awkward, ending sentences with prepositions is still grammatically correct.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ending sentences with prepositions is perfectly grammatically correct and common in English.

• The belief that ending sentences with prepositions is incorrect is a language superstition that persists, despite being unfounded.

• The idea of not ending sentences with prepositions originated from an attempt to make English grammar more like Latin grammar.