Ending A Sentence With To Be

Have you ever paused mid-sentence, wondering if it’s grammatically correct to end with "to be"? Maybe you were writing an email, a report, or even a casual social media post and that little question popped into your head, making you rethink your phrasing. You’re not alone. This is a surprisingly common concern, one that touches on the often-murky waters of prescriptive versus descriptive grammar.

The English language is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving and adapting. What was once considered a rigid rule can, over time, become a stylistic preference or even fade away entirely. So, is ending a sentence with "to be" a grave grammatical sin, a minor stylistic faux pas, or perfectly acceptable English? Let's delve into the depths of this linguistic curiosity and uncover the truth.

The Great "To Be" Debate

The question of whether it's permissible to end a sentence with "to be" is one that has sparked debate among grammarians and language enthusiasts for decades. It’s a specific instance of a broader concern: preposition stranding. The unease around ending sentences with "to be" often stems from a perceived violation of traditional grammar rules, particularly the notion that prepositions should not be left dangling at the end of a sentence. However, language isn't always neat and tidy, and strict adherence to such rules can sometimes lead to awkward or unnatural phrasing.

The prohibition against ending a sentence with a preposition, including "to be," is often attributed to the influence of Latin grammar. In Latin, prepositions typically precede the words they govern. Eighteenth-century grammarians, attempting to codify English grammar, sought to impose Latinate structures onto English, despite the fact that English has a different grammatical structure. This prescriptive approach, aiming to dictate how language should be used, contrasts with a descriptive approach, which observes how language is actually used.

The Rise of Prescriptive Grammar

The 18th century witnessed a surge in efforts to standardize English grammar. Figures like Robert Lowth, whose "Short Introduction to English Grammar" (1762) became a widely influential textbook, sought to establish clear rules for correct usage. Lowth and others, influenced by the perceived elegance and logical structure of Latin, promoted rules that often didn't align with the natural tendencies of the English language. One such rule was the avoidance of preposition stranding, which became associated with poor writing.

However, even as prescriptive grammar gained prominence, writers continued to end sentences with prepositions, including instances of "to be." This suggests a tension between the prescriptive rules and the natural flow of spoken and written English. The desire for clarity and naturalness often trumped the strict adherence to grammatical dogma.

Descriptive Grammar and Language Evolution

In contrast to prescriptive grammar, descriptive grammar focuses on how language is actually used, rather than prescribing how it should be used. Descriptive linguists analyze real-world examples of language to identify patterns and trends, without making judgments about their correctness. From a descriptive perspective, ending a sentence with "to be" is simply a feature of English that occurs in various contexts.

Language is constantly evolving, and rules that were once considered inviolable may gradually become less strict or even disappear altogether. The history of English is filled with examples of grammatical changes that were initially resisted but eventually became accepted as standard usage. The debate over ending sentences with "to be" reflects this ongoing tension between tradition and change in language.

Understanding "To Be"

The verb "to be" is one of the most fundamental and versatile verbs in the English language. It functions as a linking verb, connecting the subject of a sentence to a predicate nominative or predicate adjective. It also serves as an auxiliary verb, helping to form various tenses and moods. Because of its diverse functions, "to be" appears in a wide range of grammatical structures, including those where it might end a sentence.

Examples of perfectly acceptable sentences ending in "to be" include:

• "That is the question."
• "I think, therefore I am."
• "The best is yet to be."

In these cases, the "to be" is a necessary part of the sentence structure and doesn't violate any natural sense of English grammar. However, the controversy arises when "to be" is perceived as dangling or unnecessary.

The Problem with Unnecessary "To Be"

The real issue isn't necessarily ending a sentence with "to be," but rather using it in a way that makes the sentence weaker or less clear. Sometimes, ending with "to be" can result in a passive or incomplete feel, leaving the reader wondering what's missing. Consider these examples:

• "The report needs to be finished." (Can be improved to: "The report needs finishing.")
• "The decision has to be made." (Can be improved to: "A decision has to be made.")

In these instances, the sentences could be made more concise and direct by rephrasing them. The key is to evaluate whether the "to be" is truly necessary or if it can be eliminated without sacrificing clarity or meaning.

Trends and Latest Developments

Modern style guides and usage experts generally take a more relaxed view of ending sentences with "to be" than their predecessors. While they acknowledge the traditional concerns, they emphasize the importance of clarity, naturalness, and context. Bryan A. Garner, in "Garner's Modern American Usage," notes that while avoiding stranded prepositions is sometimes desirable, it shouldn't come at the expense of awkward or unnatural phrasing.

The trend in contemporary writing is toward greater flexibility and a focus on effective communication. Writers are encouraged to prioritize clarity and readability, even if it means occasionally bending traditional rules. This reflects a broader shift in attitudes toward grammar, from a rigid, rule-based approach to a more nuanced, context-sensitive approach.

Data-Driven Insights

Corpus linguistics, which involves analyzing large collections of real-world text, provides valuable insights into how language is actually used. Corpus studies have shown that ending sentences with prepositions, including instances of "to be," is a common occurrence in both spoken and written English. This suggests that the practice is not only widespread but also generally accepted by native speakers.

While corpus data doesn't necessarily dictate what is "correct," it does offer a more objective perspective on language usage. It highlights the gap between prescriptive rules and actual language practices, and it supports the idea that grammar should be based on observation rather than arbitrary rules.

Popular Opinion and Social Media

The internet, particularly social media, has played a significant role in shaping attitudes toward grammar. In online communication, speed and informality often take precedence over strict adherence to rules. While this can sometimes lead to errors and ambiguity, it also fosters a more relaxed and playful approach to language.

The debate over ending sentences with "to be" often surfaces in online forums and discussions. While some users staunchly defend the traditional rule, others argue that it's outdated and overly restrictive. The prevalence of informal writing styles online has contributed to a greater acceptance of preposition stranding, including instances of "to be."

Tips and Expert Advice

So, how can you navigate the "to be" conundrum in your own writing? Here are some practical tips and expert advice to help you make informed decisions:

1. Prioritize Clarity and Naturalness: The most important consideration is whether ending a sentence with "to be" makes the sentence clearer and more natural. If rephrasing the sentence results in awkward or convoluted language, it's perfectly acceptable to end with "to be." Consider the flow of the sentence and whether it sounds natural to you and other native English speakers.

Example: "This is the place I want to be." Rephrasing it as "This is the place to which I want to be" is grammatically correct by traditional standards, but sounds unnatural and forced.

2. Avoid Unnecessary "To Be": Look for instances where "to be" can be eliminated without sacrificing meaning. Often, you can rephrase the sentence to make it more concise and direct. Look for passive constructions that can be made active.

Example: "The problem needs to be addressed." A better option is: "We need to address the problem." This is more direct and engaging.

3. Consider the Context: The appropriateness of ending a sentence with "to be" can depend on the context. In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, it may be prudent to avoid it when possible. However, in informal writing, such as emails or blog posts, it's generally less of a concern. Consider your audience and the purpose of your writing.

Example: In a formal report, "The results are yet to be seen" might be better phrased as "The results have not yet been determined."

4. Trust Your Ear: Ultimately, the best way to decide whether to end a sentence with "to be" is to trust your ear. Read the sentence aloud and listen to how it sounds. If it sounds awkward or unnatural, try rephrasing it. If it sounds natural and clear, there's no reason to change it.

Example: "That is where I want my career to be." It sounds fine, therefore you can leave it as it is.

5. Break the Rules Judiciously: The rules of grammar are guidelines, not absolute laws. Sometimes, breaking a rule can enhance your writing, making it more expressive or engaging. However, it's important to break the rules deliberately and with a clear purpose. Know the rules before you break them, and be prepared to defend your choices.

Example: "This is something I'm not ready for that to be." While not strictly adhering to perfect grammar, it conveys a specific tone and emotion that might be lost with a more formal phrasing.

FAQ

Q: Is it always wrong to end a sentence with "to be"?

A: No. While some grammar purists frown upon it, ending a sentence with "to be" is often acceptable, especially if rephrasing would result in awkward or unnatural language.

Q: Why is ending a sentence with a preposition considered bad grammar?

A: The rule against ending sentences with prepositions is based on Latin grammar, which doesn't always translate well to English. English has a different grammatical structure.

Q: How can I avoid ending sentences with "to be"?

A: Try rephrasing the sentence to make it more active or direct. Sometimes, you can eliminate the "to be" altogether without sacrificing meaning.

Q: Is it okay to end a sentence with "to be" in informal writing?

A: Yes, it's generally more acceptable in informal writing, where clarity and naturalness are often prioritized over strict adherence to rules.

Q: What do style guides say about ending sentences with "to be"?

A: Modern style guides tend to be more flexible on the issue, emphasizing the importance of clarity and context. They advise avoiding it when possible, but not at the expense of awkward phrasing.

Conclusion

The debate over ending a sentence with "to be" highlights the dynamic nature of language and the tension between prescriptive and descriptive approaches to grammar. While it's important to be aware of traditional rules, it's equally important to prioritize clarity, naturalness, and effective communication. The decision of whether to end a sentence with "to be" should be based on careful consideration of the context, the flow of the sentence, and your own ear for the language.

Ultimately, the goal of writing is to communicate your ideas effectively and engagingly. If ending a sentence with "to be" helps you achieve that goal, there's no reason to avoid it. So, next time you're faced with this linguistic dilemma, remember the principles discussed here and make the choice that best serves your purpose. Now, take this newfound knowledge and put it into practice! We encourage you to share your own examples of sentences ending with "to be" in the comments below, or to ask any further questions you might have. Let's keep the conversation going!