Detached Prepositions: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples
Understanding detached prepositions is crucial for mastering English sentence structure and avoiding common grammatical errors. A detached preposition, also known as a stranded preposition, occurs when the preposition is separated from its object, typically appearing at the end of a clause or sentence. While traditionally frowned upon, detached prepositions are now widely accepted and frequently used in modern English. This article provides a comprehensive overview of detached prepositions, exploring their definition, usage, common mistakes, and offering ample examples and practice exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you confidently navigate the nuances of detached prepositions and improve your overall English proficiency.
This article is designed for students, teachers, and anyone interested in improving their understanding of English grammar. By the end of this guide, you will be able to identify detached prepositions, understand their appropriate usage, and avoid common errors associated with them.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Detached Prepositions
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of Detached Prepositions
- Usage Rules for Detached Prepositions
- Common Mistakes with Detached Prepositions
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of Detached Prepositions
A detached preposition, also referred to as a stranded preposition, is a preposition that appears at the end of a clause or sentence, separated from its object. In traditional grammar, it was considered incorrect to end a sentence with a preposition. However, modern English usage often favors detached prepositions for clarity and naturalness, especially in informal contexts. The term “stranded” highlights the preposition’s apparent isolation from its expected object.
A preposition’s primary function is to connect a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase (its object) to another part of the sentence, indicating relationships of location, time, direction, or manner. When a preposition is detached, this connection is less direct but nonetheless understood through the context of the sentence.
Classification
Detached prepositions are prepositions like any other, classified based on their meaning and function. They include prepositions of:
- Time: at, on, in, before, after, since, until.
- Place: at, on, in, above, below, beside, near.
- Direction: to, from, toward, through, across, up, down.
- Agent: by, with.
- Purpose: for.
Function
The function of a detached preposition remains the same as that of an attached preposition: to relate a noun or pronoun to another part of the sentence. However, the positioning changes the sentence’s emphasis and flow. Detached prepositions often occur in questions, relative clauses, and passive voice constructions.
Contexts
Detached prepositions are common in several contexts:
- Questions: What are you looking at?
- Relative Clauses: This is the book I told you about.
- Passive Voice: The bed had been slept in.
- Infinitive Phrases: I need someone to talk to.
- Informal Speech: Where did he come from?
Structural Breakdown
Understanding the structure of sentences with detached prepositions involves recognizing the relationship between the preposition and its implied object. While the object may not be immediately adjacent to the preposition, it is typically understood from the context or explicitly stated earlier in the sentence.
The basic structure can be represented as: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Other elements] + [Detached Preposition]. The “other elements” might include direct objects, indirect objects, adverbs, or clauses that necessitate the preposition’s separation.
Elements contributing to Detachment
- Interrogative Pronouns: Questions often begin with interrogative pronouns (who, what, which, where), causing the preposition to move to the end.
- Relative Pronouns: Relative clauses, introduced by relative pronouns (who, which, that), can also lead to detached prepositions.
- Passive Voice: The passive voice frequently results in detached prepositions, as the object of the preposition becomes the subject of the sentence.
- Ellipsis: Sometimes, the object of the preposition is omitted but understood from the context.
Patterns in Detached Preposition Usage
Several patterns commonly lead to detached prepositions. Identifying these patterns can help you recognize and use detached prepositions correctly.
- Wh-questions: What are you thinking of?
- Relative clauses with omitted relative pronoun: That’s the house they live in. (The relative pronoun “that” or “which” is omitted.)
- Passive sentences: The document was signed with.
- Sentences emphasizing the verb: He is someone to rely on.
Types and Categories
While the core concept of a detached preposition remains consistent, variations arise depending on the grammatical context. Understanding these variations can further refine your understanding and usage.
Detached Prepositions in Questions
In questions, detached prepositions are extremely common. The interrogative pronoun (e.g., what, who, where) moves to the beginning of the sentence, leaving the preposition at the end.
Examples include: What are you looking at? Who did you get it from? Where are you going to? Which school did you graduate from?
Detached Prepositions in Relative Clauses
Relative clauses, which provide additional information about a noun, often feature detached prepositions. This frequently occurs when the relative pronoun (who, which, that) is omitted.
Examples: This is the book I was telling you about. That’s the company she works for. The movie he was talking about was excellent. Here’s the pen I wrote the letter with.
Detached Prepositions in Passive Voice
In passive voice constructions, the object of the preposition in the active voice becomes the subject in the passive voice, resulting in a detached preposition.
Examples: The problem was dealt with. The house was broken into. The music was listened to. The contract was signed off on.
Detached Prepositions with Infinitives
Sentences with infinitive phrases sometimes use detached prepositions, particularly when the infinitive expresses a need or purpose.
Examples: I need someone to talk to. She is looking for a house to live in. They need a problem to work on. He requires a tool to cut it with.
Examples of Detached Prepositions
The following tables provide extensive examples of detached prepositions in various contexts. Each table focuses on a specific grammatical structure to illustrate the diverse applications of detached prepositions.
Examples in Questions
This table presents examples of detached prepositions used in interrogative sentences. Notice how the preposition is positioned at the end of the question.
| Question | Explanation |
|---|---|
| What are you looking at? | The preposition “at” relates to the implied object “what.” |
| Who did you get that from? | The preposition “from” relates to the interrogative pronoun “who.” |
| Where are you going to? | The preposition “to” indicates the destination, related to “where.” |
| Which movie are you referring to? | The preposition “to” relates the action of referring to “which movie.” |
| What kind of music do you listen to? | The preposition “to” connects the action of listening to “what kind of music.” |
| What are you dreaming of? | The preposition “of” relates to the implied object “what.” |
| Who are you talking to? | The preposition “to” relates to the interrogative pronoun “who.” |
| Where did you take that from? | The preposition “from” indicates the origin, related to “where.” |
| Which book are you reading about? | The preposition “about” relates the action of reading to “which book.” |
| What are you waiting for? | The preposition “for” connects the action of waiting to “what.” |
| What are you afraid of? | The preposition “of” relates the feeling of fear to “what.” |
| Who did you vote for? | The preposition “for” relates the action of voting to “who.” |
| Where did the cat jump from? | The preposition “from” indicates the point of origin, related to “where.” |
| What are you searching for? | The preposition “for” relates the action of searching to “what.” |
| Who are you relying on? | The preposition “on” relates the action of relying to “who.” |
| Which topic are you researching on? | The preposition “on” relates the action of researching to “which topic.” |
| What are you thinking about? | The preposition “about” relates to the implied object “what.” |
| Who did you learn that from? | The preposition “from” relates to the interrogative pronoun “who.” |
| Where is the dog running to? | The preposition “to” indicates the destination, related to “where.” |
| Which artist are you inspired by? | The preposition “by” relates the feeling of inspiration to “which artist.” |
| What are you arguing about? | The preposition “about” relates to the implied object “what.” |
| Who are you competing against? | The preposition “against” relates to the interrogative pronoun “who.” |
| Where are you traveling to? | The preposition “to” indicates the destination, related to “where.” |
| Which country are you moving to? | The preposition “to” relates the action of moving to “which country.” |
| What are you experimenting with? | The preposition “with” connects the action of experimenting to “what.” |
Examples in Relative Clauses
This table provides examples of detached prepositions in relative clauses, where the relative pronoun is often omitted for conciseness.
| Relative Clause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| This is the house they live in. | The preposition “in” relates to the noun “house.” (Implied: This is the house that they live in.) |
| That’s the company she works for. | The preposition “for” relates to the noun “company.” (Implied: That’s the company that she works for.) |
| Here’s the pen I wrote the letter with. | The preposition “with” relates to the noun “pen.” (Implied: Here’s the pen that I wrote the letter with.) |
| The project he’s working on is due tomorrow. | The preposition “on” relates to the noun “project.” (Implied: The project that he’s working on is due tomorrow.) |
| This is the issue we’re concerned about. | The preposition “about” relates to the noun “issue.” (Implied: This is the issue that we’re concerned about.) |
| That’s the person I got the information from. | The preposition “from” relates to the noun “person.” (Implied: That’s the person that I got the information from.) |
| Here’s the website I read about it on. | The preposition “on” relates to the noun “website.” (Implied: Here’s the website that I read about it on.) |
| The movie everyone is talking about is amazing. | The preposition “about” relates to the noun “movie.” (Implied: The movie that everyone is talking about is amazing.) |
| This is the tool you can use it with. | The preposition “with” relates to the noun “tool.” (Implied: This is the tool that you can use it with.) |
| That’s the car he crashed into. | The preposition “into” relates to the noun “car.” (Implied: That’s the car that he crashed into.) |
| This is the restaurant they always eat at. | The preposition “at” relates to the noun “restaurant.” (Implied: This is the restaurant that they always eat at.) |
| That’s the topic she is an expert on. | The preposition “on” relates to the noun “topic.” (Implied: That’s the topic that she is an expert on.) |
| Here’s the paper he based his research on. | The preposition “on” relates to the noun “paper.” (Implied: Here’s the paper that he based his research on.) |
| The game everyone is addicted to is very popular. | The preposition “to” relates to the noun “game.” (Implied: The game that everyone is addicted to is very popular.) |
| This is the ladder he climbed up. | The preposition “up” relates to the noun “ladder.” (Implied: This is the ladder that he climbed up.) |
| That’s the hill they sledded down. | The preposition “down” relates to the noun “hill.” (Implied: That’s the hill that they sledded down.) |
| Here’s the box I keep my treasures in. | The preposition “in” relates to the noun “box.” (Implied: Here’s the box that I keep my treasures in.) |
| The artist she is inspired by is world-renowned. | The preposition “by” relates to the noun “artist.” (Implied: The artist that she is inspired by is world-renowned.) |
| This is the city he dreams of living in. | The preposition “in” relates to the noun “city.” (Implied: This is the city that he dreams of living in.) |
| That’s the problem we are struggling with. | The preposition “with” relates to the noun “problem.” (Implied: That’s the problem that we are struggling with.) |
| This is the reason she left for. | The preposition “for” relates to the noun “reason.” (Implied: This is the reason that she left for.) |
| Here’s the key I opened the door with. | The preposition “with” relates to the noun “key.” (Implied: Here’s the key that I opened the door with.) |
| The show everyone is raving about is hilarious. | The preposition “about” relates to the noun “show.” (Implied: The show that everyone is raving about is hilarious.) |
| This is the country he immigrated to. | The preposition “to” relates to the noun “country.” (Implied: This is the country that he immigrated to.) |
| That’s the solution we came up with. | The preposition “with” relates to the noun “solution.” (Implied: That’s the solution that we came up with.) |
Examples in Passive Voice
This table illustrates how detached prepositions appear in sentences written in the passive voice. Note that the object of the preposition in the active voice becomes the subject in the passive voice.
| Passive Voice Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The problem was dealt with. | The preposition “with” relates to the subject “the problem.” |
| The house was broken into. | The preposition “into” relates to the subject “the house.” |
| The music was listened to. | The preposition “to” relates to the subject “the music.” |
| The document was signed off on. | The preposition “on” relates to the subject “the document.” |
| The letter was responded to. | The preposition “to” relates to the subject “the letter.” |
| The cake was experimented with. | The preposition “with” relates to the subject “the cake.” |
| The project was worked on. | The preposition “on” relates to the subject “the project.” |
| The truth was found out. | The preposition “out” relates to the subject “the truth.” |
| The rumor was spread around. | The preposition “around” relates to the subject “the rumor.” |
| The evidence was looked into. | The preposition “into” relates to the subject “the evidence.” |
| The contract was agreed upon. | The preposition “upon” relates to the subject “the contract.” |
| The issue was argued about. | The preposition “about” relates to the subject “the issue.” |
| The money was accounted for. | The preposition “for” relates to the subject “the money.” |
| The plan was relied upon. | The preposition “upon” relates to the subject “the plan.” |
| The book was written in. | The preposition “in” relates to the subject “the book.” |
| The field was played on. | The preposition “on” relates to the subject “the field.” |
| The report was commented on. | The preposition “on” relates to the subject “the report.” |
| The mistake was laughed at. | The preposition “at” relates to the subject “the mistake.” |
| The proposal was voted on. | The preposition “on” relates to the subject “the proposal.” |
| The puzzle was figured out. | The preposition “out” relates to the subject “the puzzle.” |
| The meal was paid for. | The preposition “for” relates to the subject “the meal.” |
| The story was listened to. | The preposition “to” relates to the subject “the story.” |
| The task was worked on. | The preposition “on” relates to the subject “the task.” |
| The problem was thought about. | The preposition “about” relates to the subject “the problem.” |
| The lesson was learned from. | The preposition “from” relates to the subject “the lesson.” |
Usage Rules for Detached Prepositions
While detached prepositions are widely accepted in modern English, it’s essential to understand the rules governing their proper use. Context, formality, and clarity all play a role in determining whether a detached preposition is appropriate.
Formality
Detached prepositions are generally more common and acceptable in informal contexts, such as casual conversations and informal writing. In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, it may be preferable to avoid detached prepositions, although they are not strictly prohibited if they enhance clarity and flow.
Clarity
The primary consideration when using a detached preposition is clarity. If using a detached preposition makes the sentence easier to understand and more natural, it is generally acceptable. However, if it leads to ambiguity or confusion, it’s best to rephrase the sentence to avoid detaching the preposition.
Alternatives to Detached Prepositions
In some cases, you might prefer to avoid a detached preposition, especially in formal writing. Here are some strategies for rephrasing sentences:
- Move the preposition: Reword the sentence so the preposition precedes its object.
Example: Instead of “What are you looking at?”, use “At what are you looking?”. - Use a different construction: Rephrase the sentence entirely to avoid the need for the preposition.
Example: Instead of “This is the house they live in,” use “They reside in this house.”
When to Avoid Detached Prepositions
There are specific situations where detached prepositions should generally be avoided:
- Highly formal contexts: In very formal writing, such as legal documents or academic publications, try to avoid detached prepositions unless they significantly improve clarity.
- Ambiguous sentences: If detaching the preposition creates ambiguity or makes the sentence harder to understand, rephrase it.
- Sentences with multiple prepositions: Sentences with multiple prepositions can become confusing if one is detached.
Common Mistakes with Detached Prepositions
One of the most common mistakes is the belief that ending a sentence with a preposition is always incorrect. While this was a strict rule in traditional grammar, modern English allows it in many situations. However, other mistakes can occur, particularly when clarity is compromised.
Incorrect vs. Correct Examples
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their correct versions:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is she come from at? | Where is she coming from? | The unnecessary “at” creates redundancy and confusion. |
| What did you put the book? | What did you put the book on? | The preposition “on” is needed to specify the location. |
| Who are you going with to the party? | Who are you going to the party with? | The preposition “to” is misplaced. |
| Which is the movie you were talking? | Which is the movie you were talking about? | The preposition “about” is necessary to complete the phrase “talking about.” |
| That is the thing I am searching. | That is the thing I am searching for. | The preposition “for” is needed to complete the phrase “searching for.” |
| I need a paper to write. | I need a paper to write on. | The preposition “on” is needed to specify where you write. |
| She needs someone to depend. | She needs someone to depend on. | The preposition “on” is needed to complete the phrase “depend on.” |
| He is looking a job to apply. | He is looking for a job to apply to. | The preposition “to” is needed to complete the phrase “apply to.” |
| This is the room they sleep. | This is the room they sleep in. | The preposition “in” is needed to specify where they sleep. |
| That’s the tool I cut the wood. | That’s the tool I cut the wood with. | The preposition “with” is needed to specify what you cut the wood with. |
Overcorrection
Sometimes, learners overcorrect and try to avoid detached prepositions even when they are natural and appropriate. This can lead to stilted and unnatural sentences.
Example: Instead of saying “What are you looking at?”, someone might incorrectly say “At what are you looking?”, which sounds overly formal and awkward.
Practice Exercises
These exercises will help you practice identifying and using detached prepositions correctly. Each exercise focuses on a specific aspect of detached preposition usage.
Exercise 1: Identifying Detached Prepositions
Identify the detached preposition in each sentence. If a sentence does not contain a detached preposition, write “None.”
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are you thinking about? | about |
| This is the house they live in. | in |
| She went to the store. | None |
| Who did you get that from? | from |
| The problem was dealt with. | with |
| Where are you going to? | to |
| The cat sat on the mat. | None |
| That’s the person I got the information from. | from |
| The music was listened to. | to |
| What are you waiting for? | for |
Exercise 2: Completing Sentences with Detached Prepositions
Complete each sentence with an appropriate detached preposition.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which movie are you referring ____? | to |
| That’s the company she works ____. | for |
| The document was signed off ____. | on |
| I need someone to talk ____. | to |
| What are you afraid ____? | of |
| This is the tool you can use it ____. | with |
| The house was broken ____. | into |
| Where did the cat jump ____? | from |
| This is the city he dreams of living ____. | in |
| What are you arguing ____? | about |
Exercise 3: Rewriting Sentences to Avoid Detached Prepositions (Formal Style)
Rewrite the following sentences to avoid detached prepositions. This will help you practice using more formal sentence structures.
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| What are you looking at? | At what are you looking? |
| This is the house they live in. | They live in this house. |
| Who did you get that from? | From whom did you get that? |
| The problem was dealt with. | The problem was addressed. |
| Where are you going to? | To where are you going? |
| That’s the person I got the information from. | That’s the person from whom I got the information. |
| The music was listened to. | Someone listened to the music. |
| What are you waiting for? | For what are you waiting? |
| This is the tool you can use it with. | This is the tool with which you can use it. |
| The house was broken into. | Someone broke into the house. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances and subtleties of detached prepositions can further enhance their grammatical proficiency. This section explores some more complex aspects.
Prepositional Verbs and Detachment
Prepositional verbs (e.g., look at, listen to, depend on) can sometimes present challenges when used with detached prepositions. It’s important to maintain the integrity of the verb-preposition combination.
For example, in the sentence “What are you looking at?”, “look at” is a prepositional verb. The preposition “at” cannot be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence.
Multiple Detached Prepositions
While less common, sentences can sometimes contain multiple detached prepositions. These sentences require careful construction to avoid confusion.
Example: “This is the kind of situation I don’t want to get involved with at all.” Here, “with” relates to “involved,” and “at” relates to “all,” creating a double detachment.
Stylistic Considerations
The use of detached prepositions can influence the style and tone of writing. Using them sparingly in formal writing can add a touch of informality and naturalness, while overuse can make the writing seem too casual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about detached prepositions.
- Is it always wrong to end a sentence with a preposition?
No, it is not always wrong. While traditional grammar frowned upon it, modern English accepts detached prepositions in many contexts, especially in informal speech and writing. The key is to ensure clarity and naturalness. - When should I avoid using detached prepositions?
Avoid detached prepositions in highly formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, unless they significantly improve clarity. Also, avoid them if they create ambiguity or confusion in the sentence. - What is the difference between a detached preposition and an attached preposition?
A detached preposition is separated from its object and usually appears at the end of a clause or sentence. An attached preposition immediately precedes its object. For example, “What are you looking at?” (detached) vs. “At what are you looking?” (attached). - How do I identify a detached preposition in a sentence?
Look for a preposition at the end of a clause or sentence that relates to a noun or pronoun earlier in the sentence. The object of the preposition may be an interrogative pronoun, a relative pronoun, or implied from the context. - Can I use detached prepositions in academic writing?
Use detached prepositions sparingly in academic writing. While not strictly prohibited, it’s often preferable to use more formal sentence structures that avoid detached prepositions, unless doing so makes the sentence awkward or unclear. - Are there any specific prepositions that should never be detached?
No, there are no specific prepositions that should never be detached. The decision to detach a preposition depends on the context and the need for clarity. Some prepositions, however, sound more awkward when detached than others. - Does using detached prepositions make my writing grammatically incorrect?
Not necessarily. Detached prepositions are grammatically acceptable in modern English. However, it’s important to use them judiciously and ensure that they do not compromise the clarity or formality of your writing. - How can I improve my understanding and use of detached prepositions?
Practice identifying detached prepositions in various texts, and experiment with rewriting sentences to include or avoid them. Pay attention to the context and formality of the writing, and consider whether the detached preposition enhances or detracts from the sentence’s clarity and flow.
Conclusion
Detached prepositions, while once considered a grammatical faux pas, are now a common and accepted part of modern English. Understanding their usage is crucial for both comprehending and constructing natural-sounding sentences. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of detached prepositions, covering their definition, structural breakdown, types, examples, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics.
By mastering the concepts presented in this article, you can confidently use detached prepositions in your writing and speech, enhancing your overall English proficiency. Remember to consider the context, formality,
formality, and clarity of your writing to make informed decisions about when and how to use detached prepositions. With practice and attention to detail, you can master this aspect of English grammar and communicate more effectively.
