Word Order
Word order in English typically follows a clear pattern that signals who does what, when, and how. This guide shows the main placements for subjects, verbs, objects, and adverbs so you can make sentences that sound natural.
Basic Order
The basic sentence order is Subject + Verb + Object. This sequence gives listeners a straightforward way to understand the action and who performs it.
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Questions
Questions usually begin with a question word or auxiliary verb, followed by the subject and main verb. This inversion signals that you are asking for information.
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Adverbs
Adverbs normally go after the verb, at the end of the sentence, or before the verb depending on whether they modify the action, time, manner, or frequency. Placement can change the emphasis.
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Time Expressions
Time expressions usually appear at the beginning or end of a sentence. Starting with a time phrase sets the scene, while placing it at the end keeps the focus on the action.
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Negative Sentences
Negatives form by adding not after an auxiliary verb or by using do/does/did when there is no other auxiliary. The word order stays similar to affirmatives except for the placement of not.
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Conditionals
Conditionals follow set patterns with an if clause and a result clause. The word order remains normal within each clause, and inversion can be used for more formal emphasis.
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Emphasis
Fronting adverbials or using auxiliary inversion can add emphasis by changing the usual word order. This moves important information to the beginning and draws attention to it.
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Summary
Keeping to the standard word order of Subject + Verb + Object ensures clarity, while small changes for questions, negatives, and adverbs allow you to nuance meaning and emphasis.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025