Prepositions are a type of word used to show relationships between different parts of a sentence. They are often used at the end of sentences, which can create a choppy style of writing. In order to ensure that a sentence reads smoothly, it is important to identify and revise any prepositions that may be at the end of a sentence.
Identifying the Preposition
Prepositions are a small class of words, including words like “in,” “on,” and “at,” that are used to connect different parts of a sentence. Prepositions can indicate relationships such as location, time, or direction. When a preposition appears at the end of a sentence, it can indicate that the sentence is incomplete or that it is missing an object. In order to identify a preposition at the end of a sentence, it is important to look for any words that indicate a relationship between two different parts of the sentence.
Revising the Sentence
Once a preposition is identified, it can be revised in order to make the sentence more complete. The best way to revise a sentence with a preposition at the end is to add an object to the sentence. The object should be a noun, pronoun, or phrase that is related to the preposition in some way. For example, if the sentence “The cat jumped in” has a preposition at the end, it can be revised to “The cat jumped in the box.” This revision adds an object to the sentence and eliminates the preposition.
Another way to revise a sentence with a preposition at the end is to replace the preposition with another word. For example, the sentence “She went on” can be revised to “She continued” or “She proceeded.” This revision eliminates the preposition and makes the sentence more concise.
By identifying and revising prepositions at the end of sentences, writers can improve the clarity and flow of their writing. Identifying prepositions is the first step in revising a sentence, and it can be done by looking for words that indicate a relationship between two different parts of the sentence. Once a preposition is identified, it can be revised by adding an object to the sentence or by replacing the preposition with another word.