Which Sentence Must Be Revised to Eliminate the Prepositional Stranding?

This section explores the concept of prepositional stranding, a grammatical construction where a preposition is separated from its object by a clause or phrase. While grammatically correct in certain contexts, it can sometimes sound awkward or unclear. Let’s analyze a specific example to illustrate.

• Original Sentence: The museum had the throne where the king sat on.

In this sentence, “on” is the preposition, and its object, “the throne,” is separated by the clause “where the king sat.” This creates a slight awkwardness because the reader encounters “on” before fully understanding what it modifies.

• Revised Sentence: The museum had the throne on which the king sat.

Here, we use the relative pronoun “which” to introduce the clause containing the object (“the throne”) and place the preposition directly after it, resulting in a smoother sentence flow.

Formal Explanation of Prepositional Stranding

Prepositional stranding is a feature of relative clauses, where a clause provides additional information about a noun. In some cases, the preposition that normally introduces the object can be placed at the end of the relative clause, separating it from its object. This is acceptable in formal writing, but it’s important to use it judiciously to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Known Usages of Prepositional Stranding

Here are some instances where prepositional stranding is commonly used:

• Formal Writing: Formal writing often employs prepositional stranding for a more sophisticated style.
• Emphasis: Placing the preposition at the end can occasionally emphasize the object.
• Avoiding Awkwardness: If the relative clause comes before the object, using prepositional stranding might prevent an awkward phrasing.

Solutions for Avoiding Prepositional Stranding

While prepositional stranding is not inherently wrong, here are some alternative approaches when it creates confusion:

• Rephrase the Sentence: Often, you can restructure the sentence to avoid stranding altogether.
• Use a Different Relative Pronoun: “Which” can sometimes be replaced with “that” which might eliminate the need for stranding.

Conclusion

Understanding prepositional stranding and its appropriate usage is crucial for crafting clear and concise sentences. By considering the context and opting for a structure that enhances readability, you can effectively communicate your ideas.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• 1. Is prepositional stranding always wrong?

No, prepositional stranding is grammatically correct in formal writing. However, it’s important to use it strategically to avoid ambiguity.

• 2. What are some signs that prepositional stranding might be a problem?

If the sentence feels awkward or the reader struggles to understand the relationship between the preposition and its object, consider revising it.

• 3. How can I identify the object of a preposition?

The object of a preposition is the word or phrase that completes the preposition’s meaning. For example, in “sat on,” “on” is the preposition and “throne” is its object.

• 4. Are there any other ways to revise the example sentence?

Yes. Here’s another option: “The museum housed the throne upon which the king sat.” This avoids stranding by using a different preposition (“upon”) that doesn’t require separation.

• 5. Where can I learn more about relative clauses?

Many grammar resources online and in libraries offer detailed explanations of relative clauses and their various applications.