Learning To Speak The English Language

Word Order in English Sentences

In the English language there are no different forms for subjects and objects. To keep subject and object apart, however, we have to stick to the word order.

Word Order in Positive Sentences

For the beginning, remember this simple rule:

If you are a more advanced learner, remember the following rule:

Word Order in Negative Sentences

The word order in negative sentences is the same as in affirmative sentences. Note, however, that in negative sentences we usually need an auxiliary verb:

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

In subordinate clauses, the word order is the same as in simple affirmative sentences. (Conjunctions are often used between two clauses):

Position of Time Expressions

(e.g.: recently, now, then, yesterday)

Adverbs of time are usually put at the end of the sentence.

If you don’t want to put emphasis on the time, you can also put the adverb of time at the beginning of the sentence.

Note that some time expressions are adverbs of frequency (always, never, usually .). These are usually put before the main verb (except for ‘be’ as a main verb).

Position of Adverbs

Adverb of Manner

(e.g.: slowly, carefully, awfully)

These adverbs are put behind the direct object (or behind the verb if there’s no direct object).

Adverbs of Place

(e.g.: here, there, behind, above)

Like adverbs of manner, these adverbs are put behind the direct object or the verb.

Adverbs of Time

(e.g.: recently, now, then, yesterday)

Adverbs of time are usually put at the end of the sentence.

If you don’t want to put emphasis on the time, you can also put the adverb of time at the beginning of the sentence.

Adverbs of Frequency

(e.g.: always, never, seldom, usually)

Adverbs of frequency are put directly before the main verb. If ‘be’ is the main verb and there is no auxiliary verb, adverbs of frequency are put behind ‘be’. Is there an auxiliary verb, however, adverbs of frequency are put before ‘be’.

Word Order in Questions

In questions, the word order subject-verbs-object is the same as in affirmative sentences. The only thing that’s different is that you usually have to put the auxiliary verb (or the main verb “be”) before the subject. Interrogatives are put at the beginning of the sentences:

You don’t use an auxiliary verb if you ask for the subject. In this case the interrogative simply takes the place of the subject.