Introduction to Prepositions at the End

Usually, we are taught that prepositions (words like to, for, with, and at) should come before a noun. For example, we say, "I am looking at the map." But did you know that in English, it is very common and natural to put a preposition at the very end of a sentence or a clause?

In this chapter, we will learn how to use prepositions at the end of questions and relative clauses. This will help your English sound more natural, especially when you are speaking or writing to friends.

Note: For other preposition topics like time or place, please refer to the chapters on "Prepositions of time" and "Prepositions of place and movement."

1. Prepositions in Questions

When we ask questions starting with words like Who, What, Which, or Where, the preposition often moves to the end of the sentence.

How it works:

In a statement, we might say: "I am waiting for Mary."
In a question, the preposition for moves to the end: "Who are you waiting for?"

More examples:

  • What are you looking at?
  • Who did you go to the cinema with?
  • Which house does he live in?
  • What is this film about?

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Just remember that in modern English, we prefer to start with the "Question Word" (Who/What) and leave the preposition for the end.

Key Takeaway:

In everyday questions, we usually put the preposition at the end rather than at the beginning. It sounds much more friendly and less "stiff."

2. Prepositions in Relative Clauses

A relative clause gives us more information about a noun. Sometimes, these clauses need a preposition. In natural English, we put that preposition at the end of the clause.

Example breakdown:

Imagine two sentences:
1. This is the music.
2. I like listening to it.

Combined: "This is the music that I like listening to."

More examples:

  • That is the girl I told you about.
  • I found the pen I was looking for.
  • He is the friend I travel with.

Quick Tip: In these sentences, we often leave out the words who, which, or that. For example, you can say: "The book I'm interested in" instead of "The book that I'm interested in." Both are correct!

3. Formal vs. Informal English

There is a "formal" way to use prepositions where they stay in the middle of the sentence, usually before the word whom or which. However, this is mostly used in very serious writing, like a legal document or a formal speech.

Informal (Everyday English): "Who are you talking to?"
Formal (Serious English): "To whom are you talking?"

Did you know? Using the formal style in a playground or a casual chat might make you sound like a robot! For your schoolwork and daily life, putting the preposition at the end is usually the best choice.

Key Takeaway:

Use the preposition at the end for speaking and informal writing. Save the "Preposition + Whom" style for very formal letters or essays.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting the preposition entirely:
Incorrect: "What are you listening?"
Correct: "What are you listening to?" (Because we always listen to something).

2. Using "Who" vs "Whom":
If you put the preposition at the end, always use Who.
Correct: Who are you going with?
Incorrect: Whom are you going with?

3. Double Prepositions:
Be careful not to use the preposition twice.
Incorrect: With whom are you going with?
Correct: Who are you going with?

Summary Checklist

Quick Review:
- In Wh- questions (Who, What, Which), the preposition usually goes at the end.
- In relative clauses (describing a noun), the preposition usually goes at the end.
- This style is common in spoken English and informal writing.
- Make sure you don't forget the preposition if the verb needs one (like look for, wait for, or talk to).

Memory Aid: Think of the preposition as a tail. Most of the time, English questions and descriptions like to wag their tails at the very end!