Detached Prepositions: Mastering Sentence Endings

Detached prepositions, also known as stranded prepositions, often raise questions among English language learners. The traditional grammar rule suggesting that sentences should never end with a preposition is frequently challenged in modern English usage.

Understanding when and how to use detached prepositions is crucial for effective communication. This article will explore the definition, structure, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced concepts related to detached prepositions, providing you with the knowledge and practice needed to master this aspect of English grammar.

Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply someone looking to improve their English skills, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the complexities of detached prepositions with confidence.

This article covers everything from basic definitions to advanced usage cases, offering numerous examples and practical exercises to solidify your understanding. By the end of this article, you will be able to identify, analyze, and correctly use detached prepositions in various contexts, enhancing the clarity and naturalness of your writing and speaking.

Let’s dive in and explore the nuances of this fascinating grammatical feature.

Table of Contents

1. Definition of Detached Prepositions
2. Structural Breakdown
3. Types and Categories
4. Examples of Detached Prepositions
5. Usage Rules for Detached Prepositions
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
7. Practice Exercises
8. Advanced Topics
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Conclusion

Definition of Detached Prepositions

A detached preposition, also known as a stranded preposition, is a preposition that appears at the end of a clause or sentence, separated from the noun or pronoun it governs. This construction often occurs in questions, relative clauses, and passive voice sentences.

While traditionally frowned upon by some grammarians, detached prepositions are now widely accepted and commonly used in spoken and written English, particularly in informal contexts.

The function of a detached preposition remains the same as a preposition in its usual position: to indicate relationships between nouns or pronouns and other elements in the sentence, such as time, place, direction, or manner. The detachment simply alters the word order, often making the sentence sound more natural and less formal.

Consider the following examples to illustrate the difference:

• Formal: To whom did you give the book?
• Informal: Who did you give the book to?

In the first sentence, the preposition “to” precedes the pronoun “whom,” adhering to the traditional grammatical rule. In the second sentence, the preposition “to” is detached and appears at the end of the sentence, which is a more common construction in everyday speech.

Structural Breakdown

Understanding the structure of sentences with detached prepositions involves recognizing how the preposition relates to other elements in the sentence, even when it is positioned at the end. Typically, detached prepositions occur in the following sentence structures:

Questions

In interrogative sentences, the preposition is often detached when the question word (e.g., who, what, where) functions as the object of the preposition. The question word is moved to the beginning of the sentence, leaving the preposition at the end.

Example: What are you looking at?

Relative Clauses

In relative clauses, the preposition is detached when the relative pronoun (e.g., which, that, who) functions as the object of the preposition. The relative pronoun introduces the clause and the preposition is left at the end.

Example: This is the house that I grew up in.

Passive Voice

In passive voice constructions, the preposition may be detached when the object of the active voice sentence becomes the subject of the passive voice sentence. The preposition remains attached to the verb, which is now in the passive form, and ends up at the end of the sentence.

Example: The bed was slept in.

Infinitive Phrases

Sometimes, a preposition is detached in sentences using infinitive phrases, particularly when the infinitive phrase is used to express purpose or to modify a noun. This construction can add emphasis or create a more conversational tone.

Example: I need a pen to write with.

Types and Categories

Detached prepositions can be categorized based on the type of sentence structure in which they appear. Understanding these categories can help you identify and use detached prepositions more effectively.

Detached Prepositions in Interrogative Sentences

These occur most frequently in questions where the preposition governs the question word. This is a very common and accepted usage.

Example: Who did you talk to?

Detached Prepositions in Relative Clauses

Here, the preposition relates to the relative pronoun, often “which” or “that,” connecting the clause to the main sentence.

Example: This is the book that I told you about.

Detached Prepositions in Passive Voice

In passive constructions, the preposition is often left at the end, especially when the active voice version would naturally place it there.

Example: The problem was taken care of.

Detached Prepositions with Infinitives

This involves detaching prepositions in sentences that include infinitive phrases, often indicating purpose or capability.

Example: I need a knife to cut it with.

Examples of Detached Prepositions

To further illustrate the use of detached prepositions, consider the following examples categorized by sentence type. Each table will provide a variety of sentences, highlighting the detached preposition and the element it relates to.

Examples in Interrogative Sentences

The following table showcases examples of detached prepositions in interrogative sentences, where the preposition is separated from the question word.

Sentence	Detached Preposition	Related Element
Who are you going to the party with?	with	Who
What are you looking at?	at	What
Where did you get that idea from?	from	Where
Which company do you work for?	for	Which company
What kind of music are you interested in?	in	What kind of music
Who did you receive the package from?	from	Who
What are you thinking about?	about	What
Which movie are you excited about?	about	Which movie
Who are you relying on?	on	Who
What are you afraid of?	of	What
Where does this path lead to?	to	Where
What are you saving money for?	for	What
Who are you voting for?	for	Who
What are you responsible for?	for	What
What are you waiting for?	for	What
Who are you arguing with?	with	Who
What are you dreaming about?	about	What
Who are you competing against?	against	Who
What are you contributing to?	to	What
Who are you collaborating with?	with	Who
What are you searching for?	for	What
Who are you depending on?	on	Who
What are you referring to?	to	What
Who are you aiming at?	at	Who
What are you reacting to?	to	What

Examples in Relative Clauses

This table provides examples of detached prepositions in relative clauses, showing how the preposition relates to the relative pronoun.

Sentence	Detached Preposition	Related Element
This is the book that I told you about.	about	that
That’s the company I used to work for.	for	that
Here’s the pen I was writing with.	with	that
This is the house that I grew up in.	in	that
That’s the song that everyone is talking about.	about	that
This is the project that I’m working on.	on	that
That’s the person I’m relying on.	on	that
This is the issue that we need to deal with.	with	that
That’s the problem I was referring to.	to	that
This is the solution I came up with.	with	that
That’s the topic we were discussing about.	about	that
This is the tool I used to fix it with.	with	that
That’s the movie everyone is raving about.	about	that
This is the organization I volunteer for.	for	that
That’s the restaurant I always eat at.	at	that
This is the game I’m addicted to.	to	that
That’s the subject I’m passionate about.	about	that
This is the artist I’m inspired by.	by	that
That’s the city I dream of living in.	in	that
This is the charity I donate to.	to	that
That’s the cause I advocate for.	for	that
This is the standard I adhere to.	to	that
That’s the rule I abide by.	by	that
This is the principle I stand for.	for	that
That’s the method I rely on.	on	that

Examples in Passive Voice

The following table provides examples of detached prepositions in passive voice constructions, illustrating how the preposition remains at the end.

Sentence	Detached Preposition	Related Element
The bed was slept in.	in	slept
The problem was taken care of.	of	taken care
The house was broken into.	into	broken
The secret was found out.	out	found
The money was accounted for.	for	accounted
The contract was signed off on.	on	signed off
The evidence was looked into.	into	looked
The mistake was laughed at.	at	laughed
The proposal was voted on.	on	voted
The rumour was talked about.	about	talked
The issue was dealt with.	with	dealt
The plan was agreed upon.	upon	agreed
The matter was reported on.	on	reported
The situation was responded to.	to	responded
The concern was listened to.	to	listened
The question was thought about.	about	thought
The article was written about.	about	written
The song was danced to.	to	danced
The event was looked forward to.	to	looked forward
The opportunity was taken advantage of.	of	taken advantage
The topic was elaborated on.	on	elaborated
The point was built upon.	upon	built
The problem was dwelled upon.	upon	dwelled
The suggestion was acted upon.	upon	acted
The request was complied with.	with	complied

Examples with Infinitives

This table provides examples of detached prepositions used with infinitives, often expressing purpose or capability.

Sentence	Detached Preposition	Related Element
I need a pen to write with.	with	to write
She needs a friend to talk to.	to	to talk
He needs a tool to fix it with.	with	to fix
We need a key to open the door with.	with	to open
They need a ladder to climb up on.	on	to climb
I need a book to read to the children.	to	to read
She needs a map to navigate with.	with	to navigate
He needs a spoon to eat with.	with	to eat
We need a container to put it in.	in	to put
They need a cloth to wipe it with.	with	to wipe
I need a chair to sit on.	on	to sit
She needs a light to see with.	with	to see
He needs a blanket to keep warm with.	with	to keep warm
We need a brush to paint with.	with	to paint
They need a rope to tie it with.	with	to tie
I need a computer to work on.	on	to work
She needs a phone to call with.	with	to call
He needs a car to travel with.	with	to travel
We need a garden to relax in.	in	to relax
They need a stage to perform on.	on	to perform
I need a desk to study at.	at	to study
She needs a canvas to paint on.	on	to paint
He needs a guitar to play with.	with	to play
We need a forum to discuss in.	in	to discuss
They need a platform to speak from.	from	to speak

Usage Rules for Detached Prepositions

While detached prepositions are generally accepted in modern English, especially in informal contexts, it’s important to understand the rules and considerations that govern their use. Knowing when and how to use them appropriately will help you communicate effectively and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Formality

Detached prepositions are more common in spoken and informal written English. In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, it is often preferable to avoid detached prepositions and use more formal constructions.

Clarity

Ensure that the detached preposition does not create ambiguity or confusion. The relationship between the preposition and the element it governs should be clear to the reader or listener.

If detaching the preposition makes the sentence difficult to understand, it is best to rephrase the sentence.

Emphasis

Detaching a preposition can sometimes add emphasis to the element it governs. For example, “What are you waiting for?” places more emphasis on the act of waiting than “For what are you waiting?”

Naturalness

In many cases, using a detached preposition makes the sentence sound more natural and conversational. However, overuse of detached prepositions can make your writing or speech sound awkward.

Strive for a balance between formality and naturalness.

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are certain situations where detaching a preposition is either highly preferred or grammatically necessary:

• Questions with “who” or “what”: Sentences like “Who are you talking to?” and “What are you looking at?” are almost always constructed with detached prepositions.
• Relative clauses with “that”: Sentences such as “This is the book that I told you about” sound more natural with the preposition at the end.
• Passive voice constructions: In sentences like “The problem was taken care of,” the preposition naturally ends up at the end of the sentence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good understanding of detached prepositions, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

Overuse in Formal Writing

Incorrect (Formal): This is the topic I will be writing on.

Correct (Formal): This is the topic on which I will be writing.

Correct (Informal): This is the topic I will be writing about.

Avoid using detached prepositions excessively in formal contexts. Opt for more formal constructions when appropriate.

Ambiguity

Unclear: The report was filed quickly. (Is “quickly” modifying “filed” or related to an implied preposition?)

Clear: The report was filed quickly away.

Clear: The report was filed quickly.

Ensure that the placement of the detached preposition does not create ambiguity. If there’s potential for confusion, rephrase the sentence to clarify the meaning.

Awkward Phrasing

Awkward: Which box did you put the toys into?

Better: Into which box did you put the toys?

Best: Which box did you put the toys in?

Sometimes, detaching a preposition can result in awkward phrasing. In such cases, consider rephrasing the sentence or using a more formal construction.

Mixing Formal and Informal Styles

Inconsistent: To whom did you speak, and what did you talk about?

Consistent (Formal): To whom did you speak, and about what did you talk?

Consistent (Informal): Who did you speak to, and what did you talk about?

Maintain a consistent tone throughout your writing or speech. Avoid mixing formal and informal constructions in the same sentence.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of detached prepositions, complete the following exercises. Identify the sentences with detached prepositions and rewrite the sentences to avoid detached prepositions where appropriate.

Exercise 1: Identifying Detached Prepositions

Identify the sentences that contain detached prepositions.

Question	Answer
1. Who did you go to the movies with?	Contains a detached preposition (“with”).
2. To whom did you address the letter?	Does not contain a detached preposition.
3. What are you looking for?	Contains a detached preposition (“for”).
4. For what are you searching?	Does not contain a detached preposition.
5. This is the book that I was telling you about.	Contains a detached preposition (“about”).
6. About what were you telling me?	Does not contain a detached preposition.
7. The problem was taken care of.	Contains a detached preposition (“of”).
8. Of what was the problem taken care?	Does not contain a detached preposition.
9. Where did you get that information from?	Contains a detached preposition (“from”).
10. From where did you obtain that information?	Does not contain a detached preposition.

Exercise 2: Rewriting Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences to avoid detached prepositions. Note that some sentences may sound more formal after rewriting.

Question	Answer
1. What are you thinking about?	About what are you thinking?
2. Who are you relying on?	On whom are you relying?
3. This is the house that I grew up in.	This is the house in which I grew up.
4. That’s the company I used to work for.	That’s the company for which I used to work.
5. I need a pen to write with.	I need a pen with which to write.
6. What are you waiting for?	For what are you waiting?
7. Who are you talking to?	To whom are you talking?
8. That’s the movie everyone is talking about.	That’s the movie about which everyone is talking.
9. Where does this path lead to?	To where does this path lead?
10. The issue was dealt with.	With what was the issue dealt?

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks

Complete each sentence with an appropriate preposition, placing it at the end of the sentence.

Question	Answer
1. Who did you receive the gift _______?	from
2. What are you searching _______?	for
3. Which project are you working _______?	on
4. That’s the topic we were discussing _______.	about
5. This is the tool I used to fix it _______.	with
6. Who are you competing _______?	against
7. What are you contributing _______?	to
8. That’s the rule I abide _______.	by
9. This is the principle I stand _______.	for
10. That’s the method I rely _______.	on

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of detached prepositions requires delving deeper into their historical context, stylistic implications, and variations in different dialects of English.

Historical Context

The traditional prohibition against ending sentences with prepositions stems from attempts to apply Latin grammar rules to English. Latin, being a highly inflected language, typically places prepositions before their objects.

However, English is a less inflected language and often benefits from the flexibility of word order, including the use of detached prepositions. Over time, the prescriptive rule against detached prepositions has become less strict.

Stylistic Implications

The choice to use or avoid detached prepositions can significantly impact the style of your writing or speech. Using detached prepositions can make your language sound more natural and conversational, while avoiding them can make it sound more formal and academic.

Consider your audience and the purpose of your communication when making this choice.

Dialectal Variations

The acceptability of detached prepositions can vary across different dialects of English. In some dialects, they are more common and accepted than in others.

Being aware of these variations can help you tailor your language to suit your audience and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Complex Sentence Structures

In complex sentences, the use of detached prepositions can become more intricate. It’s important to ensure that the relationship between the preposition and its object remains clear, even when the sentence contains multiple clauses and phrases.

Consider using more formal constructions if the sentence becomes too convoluted with a detached preposition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about detached prepositions:

1. Is it grammatically incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition?

   Not necessarily. While traditional grammar rules discouraged it, modern English usage often accepts and even prefers detached prepositions, especially in informal contexts. The key is to ensure clarity and avoid awkward phrasing.

2. When should I avoid using detached prepositions?

   Avoid detached prepositions in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, where a more formal tone is required. Also, avoid them if they create ambiguity or awkwardness in the sentence.

3. Are detached prepositions more common in spoken or written English?

   Detached prepositions are more common in spoken English and informal written English. They tend to make sentences sound more natural and conversational.

4. How can I identify a detached preposition in a sentence?

   A detached preposition is a preposition that appears at the end of a clause or sentence, separated from the noun or pronoun it governs. Look for prepositions that seem to be “hanging” at the end of the sentence without an obvious object immediately following them.

5. Can I always rewrite a sentence with a detached preposition to avoid it?

   Yes, in most cases, you can rewrite a sentence to avoid a detached preposition. However, the rewritten sentence may sound more formal or awkward. Consider the context and your intended audience when making this decision.

6. What is the difference between a detached preposition and a prepositional phrase?

   A detached preposition is a single preposition at the end of a sentence. A prepositional phrase includes the preposition and its object (e.g., “in the house,” “on the table”). A detached preposition is separated from its object, which typically appears earlier in the sentence.

7. Does the use of detached prepositions vary across different English dialects?

   Yes, the acceptability and frequency of detached prepositions can vary across different dialects of English. Some dialects may be more tolerant of them than others.

8. How do I teach detached prepositions to English language learners?

   Start by explaining the concept and providing clear examples. Emphasize that while traditionally discouraged, detached prepositions are common in modern English. Encourage learners to practice identifying and using them in various contexts, focusing on clarity and naturalness.

Conclusion

Mastering detached prepositions involves understanding their definition, structure, usage rules, and common pitfalls. While traditionally discouraged, they are now widely accepted in modern English, particularly in informal contexts.

By recognizing the different types of sentences in which they occur and practicing their use, you can enhance the clarity and naturalness of your communication.

Remember to consider the level of formality required by the situation and to avoid ambiguity when using detached prepositions. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently incorporate detached prepositions into your writing and speech, making your English more fluent and expressive.

Keep in mind that language is ever-evolving, and embracing such nuances will significantly improve your overall proficiency.