“Ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put.”
- November 30, 1874 – January 24, 1965
- British
- Politician, army officer, writer
- As British Prime Minister during World War II, he led the Allied powers to victory
Quote
“Ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put.”
Explanation
In this witty and ironic quote, Winston Churchill humorously points out the contradiction inherent in the rigid rules of grammar. The quote is a playful critique of the traditional English rule that prepositions should not end sentences. The phrasing, “something up with which I will not put,” adheres to the formal grammatical structure, yet it sounds awkward and overly complicated. Churchill’s true point is that, while such rules may be technically correct, they can often be unnatural and unnecessary in everyday speech or writing.
The humor lies in the fact that while Churchill is adhering to the grammatical rule, he is also highlighting its unnaturalness. His choice to end the sentence with a preposition is a more natural and easier way to express the idea, but he is ironically rejecting it in favor of formal correctness. The remark reflects Churchill’s sharp wit and love of language, as well as his recognition that grammar, while important, should not always take precedence over clarity and natural expression.
In a broader sense, this quote speaks to the importance of flexibility in language. While rules of grammar have value, communication is about more than just adhering to formal structures—it’s also about clarity, style, and the ability to convey ideas effectively. Churchill’s humorous critique serves as a reminder that language should serve expression rather than restrict it.
