(I note a few other grammatical errors in this post; however, I copied and pasted it and do not take responsibility for same. I do find it odd that an article about proper grammar would be rife with errors but you understand the tenor of the message, I am sure!) Youve been lied to: Grammar snobs love to remind anyone who will listen: You should NEVER end a sentence with a preposition! Luckily for those poor, persecuted prepositions, that the rule isn’t so hard and fast anymore. Here are a few preposition guidelines: Don’t end a sentence with a preposition: 1. In formal writing Incorrect: Who were the most articles written about? Correct: About whom were the most articles written? In emails, text messages, and notes to friends, ending a sentence with a preposition is informal and accepted. However, if you’re writing a research paper or submitting a business proposal, using formal language is your best option. In those cases, avoid ending sentences with a preposition. 2. If something is missing Incorrect: He walked down the street at a brisk pace, with his waistcoat buttoned against the cold and a jaunty top hat perched atop. The preposition ‘atop’ is missing an object. Let’s try that again: Correct: He walked down the street at a brisk pace, with his waistcoat buttoned against the cold and a jaunty top hat perched atop his stately head. It’s okay to end a sentence with a preposition: 1. In informal writing or conversation Correct: To whom should I give a high five? Also correct: Who should I give a high five to? Unless you’re a time traveler from another era, you’ll probably use the second sentence when speaking. Informal language is generally accepted in conversation and will likely allow your conversation to flow more smoothly, since your friends won’t be distracted by your perfectly precise sentence construction. 2. If the preposition is part of an informal phrase Correct: Five excited puppies is almost too many to put up with. Also correct: A good plate of spaghetti should not be so hard to come by. Both ‘put up with’ and ‘hard to come by’ are commonly accepted informal phrases, and it’s okay to end sentences with them. Note, however, that you should avoid these phrases in formal writing.
Posted on: Fri, 02 Jan 2015 15:15:35 +0000
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