Word Order in English

 Word Order in English

Verb + Object

The most common order of words in sentences is as follows:

Subject + Verb + Object

Examples:

Sally speaks English.

John reads the newspaper.

 

Place & Time

In English, the place is usually mentioned before the time.

Examples:

I go to the supermarket every Saturday.(NOT: I go every Saturday to the supermarket)

Bill has lived in London for 10 years.(NOT: Bill has lived for 10 years in London)

 

Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency such as always, never, sometimes, often, rarely, etc. generally go before the verb.

Examples:

Susan often goes shopping.

I never gamble.

They always sleep early.

However, with the verb to be, they go after the verb.

Examples:

She is rarely late.

He is never home before dark.

They can also go between two verbs.

Examples:

I will always remember my brother.

I have never been to Japan.