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Thread: prepositions at the end of interrogative structures

  1. #1
    Nalei is offline Newbie
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    Default prepositions at the end of interrogative structures

    Hi!

    I've always had this doubt: in interrogative structures, prepositions are placed at the end. My question is "is this always like this?"

    I mean, it sounds good to me whenever the question is short, but what about long questions? Which is the right position for the preposition?


    She bought a T shirt for me.
    Who did she buy a Tshirt for?

    Sheila bought a cool Tshirt for Mark in London last Christmas.
    Who did Sheila buy (for???)a new Tshirt (for???) in London last Christmas (for???)

  2. #2
    lauralie2 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: prepositions at the end of interrogative structures

    Hello Nalei,

    The preposition goes after the direct object, like this,


    • Who did Sheila buy a new T-shirt for in London last Christmas?

  3. #3
    TheParser is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: prepositions at the end of interrogative structures

    Quote Originally Posted by Nalei View Post
    Hi!

    I've always had this doubt: in interrogative structures, prepositions are placed at the end. My question is "is this always like this?"

    I mean, it sounds good to me whenever the question is short, but what about long questions? Which is the right position for the preposition?


    She bought a T shirt for me.
    Who did she buy a Tshirt for?

    Sheila bought a cool Tshirt for Mark in London last Christmas.
    Who did Sheila buy (for???)a new Tshirt (for???) in London last Christmas (for???)

    ***** NOT A TEACHER *****


    Nalei,


    (1) Teacher Lauralie has given you an excellent answer. That is how

    most native speakers in 2011 would say it.

    (2) A few people, however, feel that "perfect" English

    requires:

    Whom did she buy a T-shirt for?

    or even "better":

    For whom did she buy a T-shirt?


    ***** NOT A TEACHER *****

  4. #4
    Nalei is offline Newbie
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    Threadstarter / Original Poster

    Default Re: prepositions at the end of interrogative structures

    Oh, my God!
    I thought it was a very very difficult matter, and you made it so clear to me!!!

    Thank you very much, to all of you!!
    TheParser likes this.

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