--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think a sentence is a fine thing to put…" description: "\"I think a sentence is a fine thing to put a preposition at the end of.\" — William Zinsser" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad9/william-zinsser-2796_ends_i-think-a-sentence-is-a-fine-thing-to-pu_1098279.png" --- # I think a sentence is a fine thing to put a preposition at… ![“I think a sentence is a fine thing to put a preposition at the end of.” quote by William Zinsser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad9/william-zinsser-2796_ends_i-think-a-sentence-is-a-fine-thing-to-pu_1098279.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad9/william-zinsser-2796_ends_i-think-a-sentence-is-a-fine-thing-to-pu_1098279.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad9/william-zinsser-2796_ends_i-think-a-sentence-is-a-fine-thing-to-pu_1098279.png) > “I think a sentence is a fine thing to put a preposition at the end of.” [William Zinsser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-zinsser/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He argues that ending a sentence with a preposition is acceptable, challenging traditional grammar rules. **In simple terms:** Ending sentences with prepositions can be fine. Key Takeaway Prioritize clarity over rigid rules. Themes grammar style language writing Mood analytical neutral Type writing linguistic When to use this quote - editing - academic writing - creative writing - speech Key Concepts prescriptive vs descriptive grammar Questions to Reflect On - When does form outweigh function? - How does this affect readability? A Different Perspective Over‑correcting can hinder natural expression. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Fine things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fine-things/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Prepositions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prepositions/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [It is natural and harmless in English to use a preposition to end a sentence with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kingsley-amis/it-is-natural-and-harmless-in-english-to-use-a-preposition-to-end-a/) [Kingsley Amis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kingsley-amis/) > [The human understanding, when any preposition has been once laid down... forces everything else to add fresh support and confirmation; and although more cogent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-bacon/the-human-understanding-when-any-preposition-has-been-once-laid-down/) [Francis Bacon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-bacon/) > [Preposition: An enormously versatile part of grammar, as in 'What made you pick this book I didn't want to be read to out of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/winston-churchill/preposition-an-enormously-versatile-part-of-grammar-as-in-what-made/) [Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/winston-churchill/) > [A preposition is a word You mustn't end a sentence with!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/berton-braley/a-preposition-is-a-word-you-mustn-t-end-a-sentence-with/) [Berton Braley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/berton-braley/) > [A preposition is a terrible thing to end a sentence with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-preposition-is-a-terrible-thing-to-end-a-sentence-with/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [If is a very big preposition.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-major/if-is-a-very-big-preposition/) [John Major](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-major/) > [I'm very concerned with questions of language. This is what I think of when I think of myself as a writer: I'm someone who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-delillo/i-m-very-concerned-with-questions-of-language-this-is-what-i-think-of/) [Don DeLillo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-delillo/) > [“Sentences are made wonderfully one at a time. Who makes them. Nobody can make them because nobody can what ever they do see. 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