Ending Sentences with Prepositions

Anybody who remembers their English classes (or stereotypes of them) knows that one should "never end a sentence with a preposition." And of course, the standard argument is that it is a stupid rule because it has no good reason to exist and makes sentences clunkier.

Both sides of the argument have valid points, but neither is completely right. Specifically avoiding ending sentences with prepositions does lead to awkward sentences. However, it is because it changes the meaning and sound of the sentence.

English, because of its grammar, relies on word order for basic meaning. A sentence needs a subject first, then a verb, then an object (if there is one). However, the order of words also determines importance. And since prepositions can be put anywhere in a sentence, it can allow us to change word order depending on what is important in a given sentence.

For example, "This is the house I live in" and "This is the house in which I live" are noticeably different sentences. In the former, it is more colloquial. That's how normal people talk. Speaking in the latter form will sound higher in class. However, even when characterization is not a factor, the first sentence naturally puts importance on 'house' and the second puts emphasis on 'live'. Although a speaker can put their own emphasis on any word, if you hand these sentences to random people and ask them to read it out loud, the majority will put emphasis where I said.

These constructions are merely tools. You use them to do with your language what you want. When you want to emphasize the noun in such a sentence, end it with a preposition. When you want to emphasize the verb, switch it around. We do not have rules of English - only suggestions. The most important thing to do is make your sentences sound good and relay the information you want them to.