Is it possible to put a preposition in front of the word 'where'?

Answer 1

It is possible, but only rarely to be preferred
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Sorry Jen, but the "rule" that prepositions should never be used at the ends of sentences is Latinizing nonsense (and English is NOT Latin), as most modern day grammarians have recognized. (See a few examples below.)

As for expressions "from where" and "to where" (etc., though 'where' only rarely takes other prepositions)

1) For most uses the more natural order is:
"where. . . (going) to" and "where . . . (coming) from" (with the verb BEFORE the preposition -- a very natural place for it in Germanic languages)

An occasional alternative to these may be "whence" (="from where") and "whither" ("to where"). These may be too archaic for general use, but are, in many instances, more natural English constructions than "From where" and "To where"!

2) It may be OK or even proper to OMIT the preposition when its sense is implied by the verb.
Thus we say "Where are you going?" [go implies TO; rarely do we need or want to add "to"]
OR "Where do you get all these strange ideas?" [could add FROM, but it is not needed]

3) There are SOME instances where the particular emphasis you wish makes the order 'from where' preferable, though not at the beginning of the clause:
e.g., in expressing incredulity (in responses to someone else's statement), one might place 'where' at the end of a sentence, whether or not a preposition is involved:
"You saw him WHERE?!" / "They came from WHERE?!" / "You were out WHERE?"
(more typical, if asking for facts, would be "Where did you see him?" / "Where did they come from?")

4) On occasion, a construction requires the "from where" at the beginning of a clause --- "From where I stand, this looks like a needless argument."

Answer 2

The sun rose (over) Mary’s house. It was a beautiful day. Mary came (our of) her front door and went (through)the path,(out of)the gate and (down) the street. She crossed( over ) the road and walked(beside)the bus stop. The bus arrived and she got(in)the bus. It went (around)the corner,(off)the High Street ,(past)all the shops and(into)the countryside . It stopped (by)the dock pond(in)the next village,and Mary got(off) . She climbed (above) a stile and started walking(across)a big field. Suddenly she saw a huge bull running (towards)her! She raced(along)the far side of the field and squeezed(past)the hedge. Out of breath ,she sat down( in )the grass (by)the river. She leant back (against)a rock. The sun was warm. Mary closed her eyes and listened to the water flowing(nearby?). Soon she was fast asleep. When she awoke the sun had disappeared (behind)the horizon. That's how I would have answered it and I am really into english, and prepositions are pretty easy for me. The way I know how to use them is I think where something is, because most of the prepositions are telling where something is, I don't know if that'll help, but I hope it does. :) Good luck with English!!

Answer 3

Actually, Aoiffe, you're exactly right. The correct way to write these sentences is, "From where are you coming?" and "to where are you going?" It is grammatically incorrect to end a sentence in a preposition...even though we talk that way all the time.

Then there's always the time-honored joke:

Jen: Look under there!
Aoiffe: Under where?!
Jen: Hahahaha!! you said, "underwear!"

I know...I'm a dork.

Answer 4

To where are you going? I think it technically is correct, but doesn't quite sound right, as nobody uses it. A but like other question words: with what will you make it? Through who are you going?

Answer 5

English is such a bastard language that it is possible to do anything with license. Instead of asking' Where are you coming from? I could ask ;'From where are you coming and to where are you going?' Did I answer your question? Okay grammarians, it is your turn.

Answer 6

You can put any words together but you sound like a true idiot if you speak that way

Answer 7

'hi daddy, me 'n' my gf are going on holiday to basra this year. we saw a documentary on its ancient mosques on national geographic, and it looked so cool.'

'you're going to where?'