Can I end a sentence with "on"?

Question

Possible Duplicate:
When is it okay to end a sentence in a preposition?

Does this sentence make sense "I would like to propose forming a partnership where we work together to provide optimal service to the new developments you are building, or have already started construction on."

Oops, @RegDwight and I were typing at the same time and I didn't see his comment. Also voting to close as a duplicate. — Robusto, Mar 01 '11 at 16:57
I'd like to propose a partnership in which we do not work together, but rather one partner is a special slave to the other (the only kind of unequal but productive partnership I can think of at the moment). We provide less-than-optimal service; and upon deliberation we have decided to provide it to new developments of yours, though not to those you are building or constructing, but rather to those that you are not actively engaged in. I felt it was necessary to present the only possible alternative to what you probably expected, my dear client. [/sorry-couldn't-resist] — Cerberus - Reinstate Monica, Mar 01 '11 at 20:24

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 01 '11 at 16:26

2

You're putting me on. Of course you can end a sentence with "on". It is a construction I rely on.

answered Mar 01 '11 at 16:26

Robusto

151,571

Don't you mean that it is a construction on which you rely? ;) – Shaun Mar 01 '11 at 16:47
@Shaun: Nope. But do go on. – Robusto Mar 01 '11 at 16:56
@Robusto: Alas, I am not motivated to continue since your response didn't really turn me on. – Shaun Mar 01 '11 at 17:00
1

@Shaun: In spite of that, I see you did continue on. – Robusto Mar 01 '11 at 17:04
2

One must never end a sentence with a preposition -- if there are grammar-school English teachers around. It is, to borrow a phrase, the sort of nonsense up with which they shall not put. – bye Mar 01 '11 at 17:12
3

@Stan Rogers: Um, er ... me on you are putting? You on me are putting? You are me on putting? I'm trying. I really am. – Robusto Mar 01 '11 at 17:29
1

@Robusto: I am that on which you are putting. – chaos Mar 01 '11 at 17:42

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 01 '11 at 16:23

1

Sounds like stilted corporate speech but if it is, it parses and can be understood.

answered Mar 01 '11 at 16:23

PaulRein

802

score -1 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 01 '11 at 16:53

To be grammatically correct with regard to use of prepositions, you should reword the phrase:

I would like to propose forming a partnership where we work together to provide optimal service to the new developments you are building, or those on which you have already started construction.

However, the last two phrases seem redundant. If they are building a development, it's understood they have started construction on it. As such, the end can be omitted:

I would like to propose forming a partnership where we work together to provide optimal service to the new developments you are building.

In addition, I would tweak it a bit further to make it flow better:

I would like to propose a partnership wherein we work together to provide optimal service to the new developments you are building.

It's understood that the partnership is between you and the other party if the goal is that you would be working together for a common goal.

Thank you all for the comments. Some helpful, some entertaining and on and on.... — , Mar 01 '11 at 20:49

Can I end a sentence with "on"?

3 Answers3