🔢 English Word Order – Rules & Examples
1️⃣ Subject + Verb
In English, sentences normally need a subject before the verb:
- We dance.
- She is waiting.
Use it or they to refer back to something mentioned:
- I like your guitar. It is nice.
- Can you see those trees? They are beautiful.
Imperative sentences omit the subject:
- Sit down, please.
- Call me soon.
⭐ Adverbs of Frequency
Place frequency adverbs (always, often, never) between the subject and verb. With be, they go after the verb:
- We often dance.
- You are always late.
2️⃣ Verb + Object
The object follows the verb directly; they stay together. Place adverbs afterwards:
- I like pizza very much.
- She plays the guitar every day.
3️⃣ Place + Time
When giving both place and time, mention place first, then time:
- She arrives at the hospital in the morning.
- Will you be in the office at 3 pm?
Exercises:
Basic word order in English
Fill in the gaps with the correct options.
1
She sings
.
2
We visit our grandparents
.
3
He finished the report
.
4
I will meet you
.
5
They placed the vase
.
6
John
.
7
We should
.
8
They have
.
9
The teacher explained the lesson
.
10
Mary runs in the park
.
Basic word order in English
Choose the correct options to complete the sentences.
1
He plays ______.
A.
B.
C.
2
She always drinks ______.
A.
B.
C.
3
We visited ______ last summer.
A.
B.
C.
4
I have met ______.
A.
B.
C.
5
They will arrive ______.
A.
B.
C.
6
My brother reads ______.
A.
B.
C.
7
We went ______ yesterday.
A.
B.
C.
8
I can’t find ______.
A.
B.
C.
9
They are learning ______ at school.
A.
B.
C.
10
She left the meeting ______.
A.
B.
C.
Basic word order in English
Write sentences using the words in the correct position.
1
a glass of juice / drank / I / this morning ⇒ I .
2
often / he / goes to the gym / before work ⇒ He .
3
the museum / we / visited / last Saturday ⇒ We .
4
his homework / forgotten / has / he ⇒ He .
5
are / the children / playing / in the garden / now ⇒ The children .
6
tomorrow / will start / the meeting / at / nine o’clock ⇒ The meeting .
7
my keys / under the sofa / found / I / just ⇒ I .
8
rarely / she / eats / fast food ⇒ She .
9
bought / weekend / a new laptop / I / last ⇒ I .
10
very carefully / drive / must / you ⇒ You .