Another word for the end of a sentence

By Robby

If you are new here please read this first.

English sentence endings

A while back, I published an article containing 25 English sentence starters – they’re great to get your speech going and some of them can be used in pretty much any life situation.

Then, a short time later, I received a request from a blog reader of mine to provide him with typical English phrases used at the end of a sentence, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do in this article!

This is going to be a compilation of 38 typical English sentence endings, and I’m going to group them into several categories so that it’s easier for you to learn them.

And remember – you HAVE TO incorporate these sentence endings in your spoken English practice sessions to be able to use them in real life.

If you’re not going to USE them, you’ll lose them – simple as that!

And now, without further ado, let’s start looking at these English sentence endings.

General Sentence Endings

General English sentence endings

… and that’s all I’ve gotta say about that! – this is what you can always add at the end of a sentence if it concludes the entire thought and you don’t have anything else to say.

… and that’s all there is to it! – this is pretty much the same as the previous sentence ending with the exception that it’s worded differently.

… and we’ll take it from there – this English sentence ending is used to indicate that the discussion is going to continue at some point in the future after certain things are done: “Well, your proposal seems reasonable enough – I’m going to talk to my partner and my lawyer and we’ll take it from there!”

… that’s about it – another sentence ending indicating a finished business; typically used as a response to a question when you’re asked if you’ve got anything else to say: “Well, I guess that’s about it.”

… just like that! – this English idiomatic expression can very well be used to end sentences in situations when you’re telling someone that something unexpected happened to you, or someone did something quite unexpected and surprising: “And guess what? She stormed out of the meeting and slammed the door, just like that!”

… so on and so forth – you can use this handy English phrase at the end of a sentence to indicate that there’s more to what you’re saying, but there’s no need to specify what it is because everyone knows what you’re talking about anyway: “In order to get fit, you have to start eating healthy, working out and so on and so forth”.

… is all – this is a really conversational way of ending a sentence in English and it’s added at the end of the sentence to emphasize the fact that you’ve no bad or selfish intentions: “I just want to go there and see him is all!” – by saying this you’re implying that you JUST want to see him and you don’t intend to do anything else.

… indeed – this is a single-word English sentence ending and is used to emphasize the message conveyed in the statement: “This is a really cold day indeed!”

… though – another single-word sentence ending which can be used whenever you’re expressing your doubts or raising a concern over something: “Yes, I know he’s waiting for me, but shouldn’t I get changed first though?”

… do you know what I mean? – this is a typical English phrase you can stick at the end of pretty much ANY sentence when having a conversation.

… but this is a different story altogether! – you can finish off a sentence this way if you’re pointing out differences between two things: “Yes, I know a thing or two about computers, but maintaining a server is a different story altogether!”

… so to speak – this English idiomatic expression will come in handy when using comparisons. Here’s a good example: “My big brother has always been there for me, and in reality he’s my dad, so to speak.”

… for that matter – another handy English idiom that can be used at the end of a sentence, and it means “in addition”, “besides” or “in relation to that”. Here’s an example: “Recently I’ve changed my diet completely and I’ve stopped eating junk food. And I’ve also started working out, for that matter.”

… and the like – this English expression is used when you mention something specific and then you want to say that there are more similar things: “I really love pastries – muffins, cupcakes and the like!”

Encouragement

Sentence endings for encouragement

… get it done and over with – this is how you tell someone that the task in question should be accomplished rather quickly: “You know James, I don’t want to be stuck here all day so let’s get it done and over with!”

… if you haven’t already done so! – are you not sure if the other person has done the job you’re asking them to do? Well, you can always attach this phrase at the end of the sentence: “Please check if the back door is locked if you haven’t already done so!”

… give it a shot – this English expression means to “give it a try” and is used in situations when it might seem that it’s not worth trying: “Hey, I know you’ve never done this before, but why not give it a shot?”

… back on track – another way of saying “back to normal”, “back to where it was before”. “Susan, I think not everything is lost, you can still try to find a job and get your life back on track.”

Reassuring & Proving Your Point

Sentence endings for proving your point

… and rightly so! – this phrase is used when you’re supporting a particular activity: “Our boss fired Jimmy today when he showed up late yet again – and rightly so!”

… I can assure you of that! – this phrase is quite self-explanatory: “I’ll make sure that the reports are done today, I can assure you of that!”

… but it’s true nonetheless! – are you telling someone about something shocking that they might not believe? This is the phrase to add at the end: “Yes, I know it’s hard to believe that Ann is pregnant, but it’s true nonetheless!”

… at all – you can use this short phrase to dispel all doubts – if there’s any: “There’s really no need for you to worry about it at all!”

… in the same boat – sometimes we need to make the other person feel better by telling them that you’re in the same tough situation and that they’re not the only ones having those particular problems: “I know exactly how it feels to lose a close friend, we’re actually in the same boat.”

… but it’s not the case now – this phrase can be attached at the end of sentences in situations when you have to point out that something isn’t happening now: “Yes, I know how bad it would be if you didn’t have any money, but it’s not the case now!”

Comparing & Referring to Specific Things

Sentence endings for comparing and referring to specific things

… big time – means “a lot” and can be used in a wide variety of situations: “My best friend let me down big time.”

… doesn’t cut it – this phrase means “isn’t enough”: “I know you’re trying to help me fix the car by bringing all these tools along but I’m afraid it just doesn’t cut it…”

… is not an exception – another self-explanatory phrase: “All employees have to come in for work tomorrow, we all know that a public holiday is not an exception!”

… is no different – you can use this English sentence ending to point out that the situation in question isn’t much different from something else: “Well, I know you’re afraid in case something goes wrong, but think about it – Michael does it all the time and he’s never gotten into trouble, so you doing it is no different!”

… to name but a few – are you listing a few items and then you want to say that there are more similar things? This is the right sentence ending to use: “I’ve been to a lot of different countries – Greece, Spain, Portugal – to name but a few!”

Time References

English sentence endings - time references

… down the line – this English idiomatic expression is used to refer to the future: “Soon enough I’m going to start a computer networking course so that I can pursue a career in IT down the line.”

… in the near future – quite self-explanatory: “I don’t know when exactly they’re going to open the new shopping center, but I’m quite confident that it’s going to happen in the near future.”

… day in, day out – this phrase means “every day”: “I’ve been working hard on my project day in, day out.”

… in no time! – are you telling someone that whatever you’re doing is going to be done very soon? This is the right phrase to use then: “Don’t worry, I’ll have the dinner ready in no time!”

Describing the Importance of the Matter

English sentence endings for describing importance

… is the way forward – are you convinced that a certain approach of doing things is the right one? Then use this English expression: “I strongly believe that liberalism is the way forward!”

… at all costs – when something needs to be done at all costs, it means it’s a super-important matter: “Now, as we’re all very well aware, this is our biggest client so it goes without saying that this order needs to be fulfilled at all costs!”

… by all means possible! – this sentence ending is pretty much the same as the previous one: “I know it’s going to be very hard to finish this task on time but we have to make it happen by all means possible!”

… goes a long way – if you have to describe the importance of a big contribution, this is the right phrase to use at the end of the sentence: “Thanks so much for donating this money to our hospital, it will go a long way!”

… second to none – when something is second to none, it simply means that it’s the best: “I bought a new gaming computer yesterday and I’ve gotta tell you it’s second to none!”

* * *

Now, obviously there are many more ways you can finish English sentences – but I can assure you that if you learn these 38 expressions and start using them in your English conversations, you’re going to experience a tremendous improvement to your fluency!

Thanks for reading,

Robby

P.S. Are you serious about your spoken English improvement? Check out my English Harmony System HERE!

English Harmony System

P.S. Are you serious about your spoken English improvement? Check out the English Harmony System HERE!

English Harmony System

You are describing word association football, a variation on the classic rhetorical device anadiplosis, “the repetition of the last word (or phrase) from the previous line, clause, or sentence at the beginning of the next”.1 In this variation, anadiplosis is combined with ellipsis, “omission of a word or short phrase easily understood in context”.2

Word association football is essentially surprising in a humorous and literary sort of way, like a pun. Your examples are typical.

While not necessarily the originators of this rhetorical device, Monty Python get widespread credit for naming it.4 The name stems from one of their monologues.

Here is an example of anadiplosis, followed by the canonical example of word association football. Bolding, italics, and line breaks are added to emphasize the rhetorical structure.

Glad You Came (example of anadiplosis)

Turn the lights out now
Now, I’ll take you by the hand
Hand you another drink
Drink it if you can
Can you spend a little time
Time is slipping away
Away from us, so stay
Stay with me I can make
Make you glad you came
The Wanted3

Word Association Football

Tonight’s the night
I shall be talking about of flu
the subject of word association football.
This is a technique out a living
much used in the practice makes perfect
of psychoanalysister and brother
and one that has occupied piper
the majority rule
of my attention squad by the right number one two three
four the last five years to the memory.
It is quite remarkable baker charlie
how much the miller’s son
this so-called while you were out
word association immigrants’ problems
influences the manner from heaven
in which we sleekit cowering timrous beasties all-American
speak, the famous explorer.
And the really well that is
surprising partner in crime
is that a lot and his wife
of the lions’ feeding
time we may be c d e
effectively quite unaware of the fact or fiction section of the Watford Public Library
that we are even doing it is a far, far better thing that I do now then, now then, what’s going Onward Christian Barnard the famous hearty part of the lettuce now praise famous mental homes for loonies like me.
So on the button,
my contention causing all the headaches,
is that unless we take into account of Monte Cristo
in our thinking George the Fifth
this phenomenon the other hand
we shall not be able satisfactor fiction section of the Watford Public Library again
ily to understand to attention when I’m talking to you and stop laughing
about human nature, man’s psychological make-up some story the wife’ll believe
and hence the very meaning of life itselfish bastard, I’ll kick him in the balls Pond Road.
Monty Python

There are no rules or reasons why we can’t use a word like “though” at the end of a sentence. However, most people get confused between the conjunction and adverbial use of the word. This article will explain the best ways to use it for your own writing.

You can end a sentence with “though” when you want to use it synonymously with “however.” In this case, we use it only as an adverb, and it comes at the end of a sentence to say that something happened despite another argument or thing that contradicts it.

Can You End A Sentence With "Though"?

Here’s how a sentence might look when using “though” at the end:

  • I didn’t want to be there. I still had fun, though.

As you can see, the two sentences contradict each other. That’s why we use “though” at the end of the second sentence to show how the two things are conflicting arguments.

It’s most common to use “though” at the end of a sentence when another sentence comes before it. That’s because we can use that first sentence to show the contradicting argument, while the second sentence featuring “though” contradicts it.

What Does “Though” Mean At The End Of A Sentence?

So, what exactly does it mean at this point and how can we use it?

At the end of a sentence, “though” means “however.” We use it as an adverb to show that something happens despite another thing or as a contradicting argument for another happening.

The key difference we need to remember when using “though” is its relation to the conjunctive form.

“Though” is a common conjunction in English, and it’s synonymous with “although.” Many people use them interchangeably to start a sentence or to connect two sentences.

However, when used as an adverb, “though” becomes its own word. There are no cases where “though” and “although” can be used synonymously here, and we need to remember that.

  • Correct: I thought nothing of it. I still remember it clearly, though.
  • Incorrect: She didn’t care about me. She still showed me kindness, although.

As you can see, “although” simply cannot end a sentence in this way. It’s incorrect and should be avoided.

Examples Of How To Use “Though” At The End Of A Sentence

It would help to see some examples of how “though” can end a few more sentences. Once you’ve seen this in action, you’ll have a much better idea of how it works.

  1. I thought I’d play a quick game. I couldn’t find anyone to play with, though.
  2. I needed help with that. No one wanted to offer it, though.
  3. We couldn’t be there for him. We still tried our best, though.
  4. She wasn’t happy about any of it. She still participated, though.
  5. I didn’t care much for what he had to say. Everyone else was laughing, though.
  6. They didn’t have time to go and see each other. They still had a quick phone call, though.
  7. He had to tell her the truth. It wasn’t easy to do, though.

“Though” ends a sentence when it relates to the previous sentence. We use it at the end in this way when we want to show that two sentences contradict each other or that something is obviously working against the first sentence.

Where Should I Place The Comma When Using “Though” At The End Of A Sentence?

The most astute eyes of our readers may already be familiar with the comma rules used with “though.” We’ve used the punctuation rules throughout this article, and we’ll teach you now how to punctuate the word.

You should place a comma before “though” in every case. When at the end of a sentence, “though” adds an extra meaning similar to “however.” It is not a required part of the sentence, but it helps to convey our meaning successfully, which is why we use it.

Here’s how you can remember the punctuation rules:

  • Correct: I didn’t like her. I still helped her out, though.
  • Incorrect: She didn’t want me. She still gave me a chance though.

As you can see, the comma must always come before “though” to separate it from the main clause.

You might also like: Comma Before “Though”: Easy Rule To Make No More Mistakes

Is It Formal To Use “Though” At The End Of A Sentence?

There is nothing grammatically incorrect with using “though” at the end of a sentence. However, some people have a difficult time understanding the formality of the word, so we thought we’d help you out with it.

There is nothing wrong with using “though” in most contexts and tones. However, in the most formal contexts, you’re better off using “though” or “although” as a conjunction to connect the two sentences rather than putting it at the end.

Why do we do this? It’s mostly so that the readers understand what we’re linking together in the most formal way. While “though” does work at the end of a sentence, it’s a much more casual and colloquial trend to follow.

Here’s how we can tell them apart:

  • Informal: I didn’t have much work to do. I tried to stay proactive, though.
  • Formal: Although I didn’t have much work to do, I tried to stay proactive.
  • Formal: I tried to stay proactive, although I didn’t have much work to do.

It’s up to you where you want to place the conjunction. It works formally at the start and in the middle of the sentence. However, you should try and avoid using the adverb at the end of the sentence because it’s generally considered more informal.

Alternatives To Ending A Sentence With “Though”

Finally, let’s check out some suitable alternatives to ending a sentence with “though.” We’ll stick to the best adverbial replacements here to help you understand the best words for it:

  • However
  • Nevertheless
  • Nonetheless
  • Even so
  • Having said that
  • Just the same
  • All the same
  • At the same time
  • In any event

All of these synonyms work well at the end of a sentence. We can use them in place of “though” when we want to show how the second sentence or clause contradicts the first one.

You might also like:

Can You Start A Sentence With “Though”? Learn It Here! (With Examples)

Can You Start A Sentence With “Even Though”? Learn It Here! (With Examples)

Can You Start A Sentence With “Although”? Learn It Here! (With Examples)

martin lassen dam grammarhow

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.

Imagine a little boy hears he can’t have dessert after dinner. Like most children, he might say, “I ate all of my vegetables, though!” But, can you use “though” at the end of a sentence? 

You can end a sentence with “though.” It is not wrong. However, you would do so more often in casual speaking, not in formal academic or business writing. The word “though,” when we use it at the end of a sentence, indicates a contrast to the statement that comes directly before. In this way, it is an adverb. But there are other ways to use it, too.

Understanding when to use the word though — and when not to use it — can be confusing, especially for English language learners. The word has multiple meanings, so your use of the word depends on the context. 

Keep reading to learn more about adding “though” to your sentences and how — and when — to use it correctly.

What Does “Though” Mean at the End of a Sentence?

The word “though” is a very informal word that carries multiple meanings depending on how you choose to use it. But in each instance, the word generally indicates a contrast between two thoughts or ideas. It can also act as an intensifier, adding emphasis to an idea or point (source).

Here are a few examples:

1.     Her natural hair was beautiful. I wish she’d stop dying it, though.

2.     Wasn’t the book so much better than the movie, though?

In the first sentence, including the word “though” at the end indicates a contrast. Her hair was beautiful, but the speaker seems to believe it would be even more beautiful if she’d left it her natural color and did not dye it. 

In the second, the use of the word “though” at the end of the sentence intensifies the speaker’s point that the book was indeed better than the movie. 

Earlier, we stated that you can use “though” at the end of your sentence — it is not wrong. However, it is an informal word, so knowing what synonyms you can choose from is important, especially as it pertains to academic and business writing. 

In each of the sentences above, adding the word “though” at the end is grammatically correct but informal in tone. 

There are quite a few synonyms — words that have a similar meaning and connotation — for the word “though,” but, again, choosing the right word depends on the context and subject of your sentence.

We’ll go through synonyms for “though” in the next section but, first, we’ll talk about using the word at the end of your sentence and how it differs from using it at the beginning. 

Can You Use “Though” at the End of a Sentence?

Again, it is not wrong to use “though” at the end of a sentence. The better question is whether you should use it. The simplest answer is that if you are writing informally, perhaps a letter to a friend, a short story, or an informal piece with dialogue, you can certainly use “though” at the end of your sentences.  

On the other hand, if you are writing a formal essay or academic paper, you should avoid the use of “though.” This is where more formal synonyms for the word come in handy — don’t worry; we’ll provide a few different ideas and options you can choose from shortly.  

First, let’s break down the grammatical context and understand how using “though” as an adverb at the end of your sentence differs from using it as a conjunction at the beginning or middle of your sentence. 

What Does “Though” Mean at the End of a Sentence?

You’ve no doubt heard someone end a sentence with the word “though,” at least in casual conversation. In this sense, “though” is an adverb. Remember that adverbs are words (or phrases) that modify or describe a verb, adjective, another adverb, or a clause (part of a sentence) (source).

When you use “though” as an adverb at the end of your sentence, it modifies the clause that came previously and indicates a clear contrast or opposing idea. Another way to look at it is to say that the word “though” makes what comes before it less true or simply less appealing (source).

Here are a couple of examples:

1.     She added butter and salt to my vegetables. I still don’t like broccoli, though.

The word “though” above shows that even adding butter and salt to the vegetable did not make it more enticing to the speaker — she still did not like it.  Here’s another example:

2.     I love her outfit. I’m certain I couldn’t afford it, though.

Again here, the word “though” indicates a contrast between liking the outfit and its affordability. It’s not a contradiction, so don’t get the two confused. A contradiction shows that one thing is true while the other is false. Here, a contrast simply shows how one idea differs from the other when juxtaposed or compared.

Common Synonyms for “Though” as an Adverb

You can choose a few different words instead of “though” to make your writing a bit more formal. Remember, it’s best to avoid it altogether in academic writing and use it in your speaking alone. 

If you do need to identify a word that shows a similar idea of contrast, you can choose from the following synonyms:

  • However
  • Nevertheless
  • Nonetheless
  • Still
  • Yet
  • Even so

All of these words and phrases have similar meanings to the word “though” above, but most work better at the beginning of your sentence rather than at the end. 

Your sentence may look like one of the examples below should you choose to skip the word “though” and use something a bit more formal:

1.     I love her outfit. Still, I’m certain I could not afford it.

2.     I love her outfit. Nonetheless, I’m certain I could not afford it. 

If you’d like to simply swap out “though” with another word in the same position in your sentence, your best choice is to use the word “however,” as in:

 “I love her outfit. I’m certain I couldn’t afford it, however.” 

Learning the intricacies and nuances of connotation and style is no easy task, so don’t feel overwhelmed by the process. It will come in time. Be sure to get a copy of Dryer’s English, a style guide. It’s going to help you as you become more familiar with the language, and you can easily find it on Amazon. 

But what about using “though” at the beginning of your sentence? In contrast to using it at the end, using it at the beginning retains some of the formality that you would lose when you use it at the end. 

What Does “Though” Mean at the Beginning of a Sentence? 

When you use “though” in the beginning or middle of a sentence, you are using it as a conjunction. A conjunction is simply a word that connects or joins parts of sentences (or ideas) together, but in the case of “though,” grammarians call it a “subordinating conjunction.” 

A subordinating conjunction establishes a relationship between a dependent clause and the rest of your sentence (source). In other words, when you use the word “though” at the beginning, it is a conjunction that becomes necessary in order for your reader to interpret your intended meaning correctly.

Let’s take a look at a couple of examples.

1.     Though I love ice cream, I try not to eat too much.

2.     Though I knew I’d be late, I still snoozed my alarm.

In each of these sentences, what you see before the comma (a dependent clause) is required in order for the latter half of the sentence to communicate the correct meaning. 

While “I try not to eat too much” is an independent clause that can stand on its own, it has a very different meaning if you interpret it apart from the clause that comes just before.  

So, in this sense, “though” is a subordinating conjunction that communicates a contrast between two ideas in a similar way that the word does at the end of your sentence. The second sentence is quite similar — “though” communicates a contrast between one action and the resulting outcome. 

Common Synonyms for “Though” as a Conjunction

Below are some common synonyms, some of which are phrases for the word “though” when you use it as a conjunction at or near the beginning of your sentence:

·       In spite of

·       Although

·       Even though

·       Notwithstanding

·       While

·       Despite the fact that

You can choose any of the above words or phrases and replace “though” while still communicating the same idea. “Though” is also often thought of as simply a shortened version of “although” and a much less formal version of phrases like “notwithstanding” or “despite the fact that.”

Using the same example sentence from above, your sentence may look like either of these:

1.     Even though I love ice cream, I try not to eat too much.

OR

2.     Despite the fact that I love ice cream, I try not to eat too much.

At times, being concise in your writing is important, so shortened words and phrases are ideal. You don’t need to add the word “even” in front of “though,” but you certainly can in the same way that you can choose from the other phrases, given they fit the context of your sentence structure and subject. 

Is There Always a Comma Before “Though” at the End of a Sentence?

If you’ve been reading closely, you may have noticed that there is a comma just before the word when we use “though” at the end of a sentence. Is that always the case? 

For the most part, yes — you always need a comma before “though” when you are using it as an adverb at the end of your sentence. However, because it is a very informal word and often better suited for conversation, some say that the comma is optional.  

Remember that an added “though” at the end is similar to an afterthought from the speaker. Adding a comma gives the reader a moment to pause and recognize it as such. 

The reality is that adding the comma is essentially up to you. But you cannot go wrong doing so, so perhaps it is best to go ahead and add it.

Conversely, when you use the word “though” as a conjunction, you do not need to add a comma after the word. In this instance, “though” becomes part of a larger dependent clause or introductory phrase. The comma will follow the full clause rather than the word “though.”  

Here’s an example:

1.     Though I prefer to ride my bike to work, sometimes I take the bus. 

There is no comma necessary after “though” here because the larger dependent clause ends with the word “work,” which is where you’ll add your comma. 

In situations like this, you’ll always add your comma at the end of the dependent or subordinate clause, separating it from the main or independent clause, which can stand on its own as a complete sentence. This article was written for strategiesforparents.com. 

If you’d like to learn more about rules for commas, take a look at “Comma After So: When is it Applicable?”

Final Thoughts 

Learning English is no easy feat, especially with words and phrases often used in casual conversation but avoided in formal writing.  

Remember that many of these troublesome words, including using “though” at the end of a sentence, are not necessary at all — so until you master the basics, you can choose to avoid them altogether.  

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  • Prepositions

Summary

It is perfectly fine to end a sentence with a preposition. Using prepositions like to, for, in, and from at the end of a sentence is grammatically acceptable and often the more natural choice in both speech and writing.

Examples

  • Where do you come from?
  • This is the answer we were looking for.
  • This is the town I grew up in.
  • I don’t know what you’re referring to.
  • I think I know what this is about.
  • What is brown bread made of?

Terminal prepositions are grammatically fine but are thought to lend an informal tone to writing. In academic and other formal usage, they are often avoided (but only if rephrasing doesn’t result in awkwardness).

Examples

  • A population is the group about which we want to draw an inference.
  • This is the paper in which the entropy of a system was first defined.
  • On which date did you send the reminder?

Note that rephrasing to avoid ending a sentence with a preposition can result in stilted and awkward usage.

Examples

  • Acceptable: This is the world we live in.
    Unnecessary: This is the world in which we live.
  • Acceptable: Is this what you were referring to?
    Awkward: Is this that to which you were referring?

Terminal prepositions

Terminal prepositions are those that appear at the end of a sentence. Like all prepositions (to, for, in, on, from, etc.), they indicate a relationship of space and time or show other abstract relationships between the parts of a sentence.

Examples

  • I have no idea what you’re talking about.
  • What are you thinking of?
  • He is someone I believe in.
  • I can’t find anything to clean this with.
  • Whose side are you on?
  • What have we come to?
  • This is what I was looking for.

A popular grammar myth is that it is wrong to end a sentence with a preposition. In this article, we discuss how it is grammatically acceptable to use a terminal preposition, how doing so is often the more natural choice, and why terminal prepositions are sometimes avoided in formal usage.

Preposition stranding

The reason it is thought wrong for a preposition to end a sentence is that such a construction is invariably the result of preposition stranding. In sentences, prepositions have complements. (A complement is a word or phrase that completes an expression.)

Examples

  • in the morning

    preposition = in; complement = the morning

  • to the house
  • under the chair

A preposition is said to be stranded when it is separated from its complement.

Examples

  • Stranded: This is what Anita was talking about.

    preposition = about; complement = this

    Not stranded: Anita was talking about this.

Critics of terminal prepositions (which is what we call a preposition placed at the end of a sentence) say that a preposition should always take the position before its complement (pre + position = preposition). What’s interesting is that preposition stranding, while a grammatical error in Latin, is not syntactically wrong in English. In fact, preposition stranding happens naturally and often, especially in questions.

Examples

  • Who were you talking to?
  • What are you running from?
  • Whom are you rooting for?
  • This is the man I live with.

Note

Although much of its vocabulary comes from Latin, English is a Germanic language with core grammar received from Proto-Germanic. As such, the grammar rules of Latin do not automatically apply to English.

Preposition at the end of a sentence

It is grammatically acceptable and often the more natural choice to end a sentence with a preposition. Rephrasing to avoid the terminal preposition can make sentences sound awkward and stilted.

Examples

  • I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.

    Rewording to avoid the terminal preposition would make this sentence sound odd (and ruin a perfectly good song): I still haven’t found that for which I’m looking?

  • Everyone is still healing from things they don’t speak about.
  • Here are some other offers you might be interested in.
  • A cat riding a horse was a strange sight to come upon.
  • Which report are you referring to?

  • This is the strangest place I’ve lived in.

In questions

Many questions in speech and writing end in prepositions.

Examples

  • What are we fighting for?
  • What is Poco talking about?
  • Which floor do you live on?
  • What am I running from?
  • What is she staring at?
  • Is there anything else you can think of?

Rephrasing such questions to reposition the preposition can make them sound odd and archaic.

Examples

  • For what are we fighting?
  • About what is Poco talking?
  • From where are you?
  • Of what else can you think?

In statements

In both speech and writing, it is fine to end not just questions but also statements with prepositions.

Examples

  • I don’t know what you’re referring to.

    More idiomatic than “I don’t know

    to

    what you’re referring.”

  • These are the moments we live for.
  • This is an odd place to live in.
  • Hope is not something you can live without.
  • That’s the book I was telling you about.
  • There’s nothing to hold it with.

With prepositional verbs

Some verbs need a preposition (e.g., agree with, consist of, depend on) to complete their meaning. With such prepositional verbs, rephrasing just to avoid the preposition at the end can make the sentence sound awkward and unidiomatic.

Examples

  • Acceptable: This is the sign you’ve been looking for.
    Awkward: This is the sign for which you’ve been looking.
  • Acceptable: Now that’s the kind of music I can listen to.
    Awkward: Now that’s the kind of music to which I can listen.
  • Acceptable: Is this really what pudding consists of?
    Awkward: Is this really that of which pudding consists?

In phrasal verbs

Phrasal verbs comprise a verb and a preposition, which together form a single verb with its own meaning (e.g., give up, give in, break down). When such phrasal verbs appear at the end of a sentence, it ends in a preposition. Trying to avoid the terminal preposition in such a sentence is pointless: it will invariably render the sentence ungrammatical and meaningless.

Examples

  • Nesbit has written his resignation letter but can’t decide when to hand it in.

    To hand in is to submit something. Changing word order (

    hand in it

    ) would make the sentence nonsensical.

  • Everybody needs something to look forward to.
  • When Poco sees this, he’s going to blow up.
  • The funny little heart after the slogan is something we can do away with.
  • Is this what you were looking for?

Considerations of formality

In academic and other formal writing, prepositions are not generally used to end sentences, as such usage can lend an informal, conversational tone to writing.

Examples

  • Formal: These are the participants on whom the experiment was conducted.
    Less formal: These are the participants the experiment was conducted on.
  • Formal: To whom should I address my application?
    Less formal: Who should I address my application to?

This notion of formality may originate in the idea that since Latin does not allow preposition stranding, neither does the English spoken by the educated class. However, as we have seen, ending a sentence with a preposition is often the more natural choice. Rewriting to avoid the terminal preposition in everyday usage can make you sound stuffy and pedantic.

Examples

  • We have to figure out what we’re dealing with.

    More natural than “We have to figure out

    with

    what we’re dealing.”

  • Is there anything else you can think of?

    “Is there anything else

    of

    which you can think?” would sound awkward.

  • I don’t know what you’re going on about.

    Better than “I don’t know

    about

    what you’re going on.”

Note

While it is perfectly grammatical (and idiomatic) to use a preposition at the end of a sentence, such constructions are still avoided by many in formal writing. As such, it is a question of register rather than grammar.

Examples from literature

Here are some examples from literature of sentences ending in prepositions. As you can see, terminal prepositions are commonly used and considered perfectly acceptable in writing. Many great writers, from George Eliot to Margaret Atwood, have cheerfully ended sentences with prepositions and written the better for it.

Examples

  • I believe that I began to know that there was something about my aunt, notwithstanding her many eccentricities and odd humours, to be honoured and trusted in.
  • No evil dooms us hopelessly except the evil we love, and desire to continue in, and make no effort to escape from.
  • Every true artist is the salvation of every other. Only artists produce for each other a world that is fit to live in.
  • Beneath it is all dark, it is all spreading, it is unfathomably deep; but now and again we rise to the surface and that is what you see us by.
  • The enemy is anybody who’s going to get you killed, no matter which side he is on.
  • Good fiction is made of that which is real, and reality is difficult to come by.
  • And if she has brought him to this, what has he brought her to?
  • Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.

    — Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now, 1993

  • But sometimes it’s hard to put up with.
  • She wanted nothing to do with academics who would only expose her ignorance; she had no book learning to speak of.

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