Basic word order in English

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✏️ Exercises

Basic Word Order in English: Grammar Chart

Learn the correct order of words in simple English sentences β€” including where to place subjects, verbs, objects, time, place, and adverbs.

Grammar chart showing basic word order in English: Subject + Verb + Object + Place + Time, with adverb rules

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🟒 Subject + Verb

In English, we usually need a subject before the verb.

  • We dance.
  • She is waiting.

Use it or they to refer to something mentioned before:

I like your guitar. Is nice.

βœ… I like your guitar. It is nice.

Can you see those trees? Are beautiful.

βœ… Can you see those trees? They are beautiful.

❗ No subject needed in imperative sentences:

  • Sit down, please.
  • Call me soon.

πŸ”΅ Adverbs of Frequency

Put adverbs like always, often, usually, never before the main verb β€” but after the verb be.

  • We often dance.
  • She usually takes the bus.
  • You are always late. (after β€œbe”)
  • They are never at home. (after β€œbe”)

🟠 Verb + Object

When there’s an object, place it right after the verb.

I like very much pizza.

βœ… I like pizza very much.

She plays every day the guitar.

βœ… She plays the guitar every day.

🟣 Place + Time

Say where first, then when.

She arrives in the morning at the hospital.

βœ… She arrives at the hospital in the morning.

Will you be at 3 pm in the office?

βœ… Will you be in the office at 3 pm?

πŸ’‘ Quick Tip

Remember: Subject β†’ Verb β†’ Object β†’ Place β†’ Time
Adverbs of frequency go before the verb (except after be).