Can I End A Sentence With With

Have you ever paused mid-sentence, questioning whether it’s grammatically correct to end it with a preposition? The query, "Can I end a sentence with 'with'?" is a common one, sparking debate among grammar purists and pragmatic communicators alike. While traditional grammar rules might frown upon it, modern usage often embraces it.

The debate over ending sentences with prepositions like "with" has a long and colorful history. It touches on the very essence of how language evolves and adapts. For many, the rule against it feels arbitrary, a relic of a bygone era. Yet, understanding the origins and nuances of this grammatical quandary can significantly enhance your writing and communication skills. Is it a hard-and-fast rule, or a flexible guideline? Let's explore this linguistic puzzle together and equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in your own writing.

Main Subheading

The question of whether you can end a sentence with "with" boils down to a long-standing debate between prescriptive and descriptive grammar. Prescriptive grammar dictates how language should be used according to a set of rules, often based on historical or perceived logical principles. Descriptive grammar, on the other hand, describes how language is actually used by native speakers, regardless of whether it aligns with prescriptive rules.

Traditional grammar, heavily influenced by Latin, frowned upon ending sentences with prepositions. The rationale was that in Latin, prepositions typically precede the nouns they govern, and some grammarians felt English should follow suit to maintain elegance and clarity. This notion gained traction in the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming a standard rule taught in schools. However, this rule often leads to awkward and unnatural sentence constructions when rigidly applied to English, a language with a different structure than Latin.

Comprehensive Overview

Let's delve deeper into the historical context, grammatical foundations, and practical implications of this debate. Understanding these elements will allow you to make informed choices about your writing and communication.

The prohibition against ending sentences with prepositions is often attributed to John Dryden, a prominent 17th-century English poet and literary critic. Dryden revised a sentence by Ben Jonson, removing a terminal preposition, and this act is sometimes cited as the origin of the rule. However, it's important to note that Dryden's intervention was more about stylistic preference than a strict grammatical decree. The rule was later popularized by grammarians like Robert Lowth in the 18th century, who sought to impose Latin-based rules onto English grammar.

The core argument against ending sentences with prepositions rests on the idea that prepositions should always be followed by their object. Ending a sentence with a preposition leaves the object "dangling," which some consider grammatically incomplete. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that English is a flexible language, and its structure doesn't always align with Latinate principles. In many cases, moving the preposition earlier in the sentence results in stilted or unnatural phrasing.

Consider the sentence, "Which chair did you sit on?" According to the prescriptive rule, this should be rephrased as "On which chair did you sit?" While grammatically "correct" by traditional standards, the revised sentence sounds formal and awkward in everyday conversation. Similarly, "Who are you talking to?" becomes "To whom are you talking?" which can sound overly formal or even pretentious in many contexts.

The descriptive approach to grammar recognizes that language evolves organically, shaped by the way people actually use it. Ending sentences with prepositions is common in spoken English and informal writing. Attempting to avoid it can lead to convoluted sentences that hinder clarity and natural flow. Many style guides now acknowledge this reality, advising writers to prioritize clarity and naturalness over strict adherence to the no-terminal-preposition rule.

Moreover, there are instances where ending a sentence with a preposition is not only acceptable but also the most natural and clear way to express an idea. For example, consider the sentence, "That's something I won't put up with." Rephrasing it as "That's something with which I won't put up" is undeniably awkward and disrupts the natural rhythm of the sentence. In such cases, adhering to the prescriptive rule would compromise the effectiveness of the communication.

Trends and Latest Developments

Modern linguistics and style guides are increasingly adopting a more pragmatic approach to the use of prepositions at the end of sentences. Data from corpora, large collections of written and spoken language, show that ending sentences with prepositions is widespread and accepted in various contexts.

Many contemporary style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook, acknowledge the prevalence and acceptability of ending sentences with prepositions, particularly in informal writing and speech. They emphasize that clarity and naturalness should take precedence over rigid adherence to the traditional rule.

According to Bryan A. Garner, a renowned legal and usage commentator, the prohibition against ending sentences with prepositions is "a superstition" and should be disregarded. He argues that attempting to avoid terminal prepositions often results in strained and unnatural phrasing.

Furthermore, linguistic research has shown that native English speakers naturally and frequently end sentences with prepositions without any loss of clarity or effectiveness. This suggests that the rule is largely artificial and doesn't reflect the way the language is actually used.

The trend is towards accepting the natural flow of language. While awareness of the traditional rule is important, the emphasis is now on effective communication.

Tips and Expert Advice

So, how should you navigate this grammatical dilemma? Here are some practical tips and expert advice to guide you:

Prioritize Clarity: The primary goal of writing is to communicate effectively. If ending a sentence with "with" makes your meaning clearer and more natural, then it is perfectly acceptable. Avoid contorting your sentences to adhere to a rule that compromises clarity.

For example, instead of saying "This is the problem about which I was concerned," it is far more direct and understandable to say, "This is the problem I was concerned with." The latter is easier to process and avoids unnecessary formality.
Consider Your Audience and Context: The level of formality should influence your decision. In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, you might choose to avoid ending sentences with prepositions to maintain a more polished and professional tone. However, in informal contexts, such as blog posts, emails, or conversations, it is perfectly acceptable and often preferable.

Think about who you are writing for and what impression you want to create. If you're writing a cover letter for a job application, for instance, a more formal tone might be appropriate. But if you're writing a casual update on social media, feel free to be more relaxed with your grammar.
Rephrase When Necessary: If ending a sentence with "with" feels awkward or unclear, consider rephrasing the sentence to avoid the issue altogether. Sometimes, a simple change in word order can resolve the problem without compromising the meaning.

For example, instead of "What are you dealing with?" you could say "What is it that you are dealing with?" However, use with discretion, because it can sound unnecessarily formal, as discussed above.
Trust Your Ear: Ultimately, the best approach is to trust your ear and choose the phrasing that sounds most natural and fluent. Read your writing aloud to identify any sentences that sound stilted or unnatural. If a sentence ending with "with" sounds perfectly fine, there's no need to change it.

Language is a tool for communication, and the most effective communication is often the most natural. If you find yourself constantly struggling to avoid ending sentences with prepositions, it might be a sign that you're overthinking it.
Be Aware of the Rule: While it's often acceptable to end sentences with prepositions, it's still important to be aware of the traditional rule. Understanding the rule will help you make informed decisions about your writing and avoid potential criticism from those who adhere to it strictly.

Knowing the rule allows you to break it intentionally and effectively, rather than out of ignorance. It also gives you the ability to explain your choices if challenged.

FAQ

Q: Is it ever wrong to end a sentence with "with"? A: While generally accepted in modern usage, there may be instances where it creates ambiguity or sounds awkward. In such cases, rephrasing is advisable.

Q: Does ending a sentence with "with" make me sound uneducated? A: Not necessarily. It's common in everyday speech and informal writing. However, consider your audience and context. In formal settings, it might be perceived as less polished.

Q: Can I use this "rule" in formal writing? A: While increasingly accepted, it's prudent to exercise caution in highly formal contexts. If in doubt, rephrase the sentence or consult a style guide.

Q: What if I'm unsure whether to end a sentence with "with"? A: Read the sentence aloud. If it sounds natural and clear, it's likely fine. If it feels awkward, try rephrasing it.

Q: Are there other prepositions that are commonly used at the end of sentences? A: Yes, other common prepositions include "at," "in," "on," "to," and "from." The same principles apply: prioritize clarity and naturalness.

Conclusion

So, can you end a sentence with "with"? The answer is a resounding yes, most of the time. While traditional grammar once frowned upon it, modern usage and linguistic understanding recognize that it's often the most natural and effective way to communicate. The key is to prioritize clarity, consider your audience and context, and trust your ear.

Ultimately, the goal of writing is to connect with your readers and convey your message effectively. Don't let outdated grammar rules stand in the way of clear, natural communication. Embrace the flexibility of the English language and use it to your advantage.

Now, take this knowledge and put it into practice! Share your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. Do you find yourself ending sentences with prepositions? Has anyone ever corrected you for doing so? Let's continue the conversation and learn from each other.