Explanations » A1 Grammar Explanations » Basic word order in English
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  • Basic word order in English – Grammar chart

    Grammar chart illustrating the basic word order in English sentences, placement of adverbs of frequency, and tips to avoid common mistakes.

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    Subject + verb

    In English, we normally need to include the subject in a sentence. The subject goes before the verb.

    • We dance.
    • She is waiting.

    We use it or they as a subject to talk about something that we mentioned before.

    • I like your guitar. Is nice. blank
    • I like your guitar. It is nice. blank
    • Can you see those trees? Are beautiful. blank
    • Can you see those trees? They are beautiful. blank

    We don’t include the subject in imperative sentences.

    • Sit down, please.
    • Call me soon.

    We can put an adverb of frequency between the subject and the verb. BUT adverbs of frequency go after the verb when the verb is be.

    • We often dance.
    • BUT: You are always late.

    Verb + object

    When there is an object in the sentence, we need to put it after the verb. Verb and object are together.

    • I like very much pizza. blank
    • I like pizza very much. blank
    • She plays every day the guitar. blank
    • She plays the guitar every day. blank

    Place + time

    We normally say ‘where’ and ‘when’ something happens in this order.

    • She arrives in the morning at the hospital. blank
    • She arrives at the hospital in the morning. blank
    • Will you be at 3 pm in the office? blank
    • Will you be in the office at 3 pm? blank