Unnecessary Preposition

Modern English has changed to the point where once-necessary prepositions are now considered unnecessary. Use of unnecessary prepositions creates wordiness, and can give a somewhat childish quality to the writing. While use of these prepositions is not grammatically incorrect, it’s better to tighten up your writing as much as possible.

Where did that report go to?

It’s unnecessary to use to at the end.

Where did that report go?

Could you get that box off of the table?

Could you get that box off the table?

Anne met up with Mary at the party.

There’s a two-fer here.

Anne met Mary at the party.

Where would we find the information at?

Where would we find the information?

Break it up into smaller sections.

Break it into smaller sections.

Could you please carry this box to downstairs?

Could you please carry this box downstairs?

The winner was awarded with a gold medal.

The winner was awarded a gold medal.