Ending a sentence with a preposition.

It is not always wrong to end a sentence with a preposition. At times, the preposition need s to be at the end of a sentence, especially when the alternative of not ending with a preposition causes confusion or affects the meaning of the sentence . However, it should be avoided whenever it is possible to rewrite the sentence in order to convey a clear meaning.

The following sentences ending with a preposition are acceptable.

Examples:

  • It is a trivial matter that is not worth arguing about .
  • With her new family, she is being well looked after .
  • Which size are you looking for ?
  • The search party wanted to know which entrance to the cave he went in .
  • He is not someone you will want to talk to .
  • He is my only friend whom I often go out with .

The following sentences ending in a preposition are acceptable but can be avoided.

Examples:

  • The visiting team is difficult to play against .
  • It is difficult to play against the visiting team.
  • Which part of the body was he shot at ?
  • He was shot at which part of the body?
  • The two of us tried to fight three robbers off .
  • The two of us tried to fight off three robbers.