LoginWord Order
In this lesson we learn about word order in sentences, delving into advanced sentence structures and stylistic variations that impact clarity, emphasis, and meaning. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Is Word Order?
The way the elements are arranged in a sentence is called 'word order'. Word order is a part of syntax because it determines how different kinds of sentences are formed. The wrong word order will result in confusion, unclear sentences, and incorrect meanings.
Why Is Word Order Important?
Word order affects the meaning of a sentence. It can show who acts and to whom the action is done. Many languages use inflection to show how different parts of a sentence function. However, English does not have many inflection rules. As a result, the position of words in the sentence determines their function.
I read often books. → I often read books.
Working was I at home. → I was working at home.
Word Order: Declarative
- subject + intransitive verb
- subject + transitive verb + object
- subject + ditransitive verb + indirect object + direct object
- subject + linking verb + subject complement
- subject + complex transitive verb + object + object complement
Here are some examples of each structure:
1. Mary stood up.
As you can see, subject (Mary) + intransitive verb (stood up). 'SV' is the simplest form of a sentence.
2. Sam drinks tea.
As you can see, the order is "subject (Sam) + transitive verb (drinks) + object (tea)".
3. He bought her a lovely ring.
Here, we have "subject (he) + ditransitive verb (bought) + indirect object (her) + direct object (a lovely ring)".
4. The film was amazing.
Here, the subject is "the film". the verb "be" is a linking verb and "amazing" is the subject complement.
5. It made me angry.
Here, the subject is 'it'. the verb "make" is complex transitive, "me" is the object, and "angry" is the object complement.
Passive Voice
In passive sentences, the object of the declarative sentence moves to the subject position at the beginning of the sentence. This structure changes the focus of the sentence while the meaning remains the same by changing the verb to passive voice. Look at the examples:
The teacher explained
Sarah baked
Word Order: Interrogative
In direct questions, we use inverted word order which means the main verb or an auxiliary verb comes before the subject. This is done in different ways depending on the type of question. Take a look at its types and examples:
Yes/No Questions
In yes/no questions the word order is as follows:
'modal/auxiliary verb + subject + main verb + object'.
For example:
The dogs were barking. →
I have been working. →
She can sing beautiful songs. →
I'm fine. →
When a sentence does not have modals or auxiliary verbs, we must add the auxiliary verb do before the subject and then the base form of the main verb. For example:
She likes her dress. →
I enjoy tennis. →
Wh-Questions
Information Questions: Inverted order
Most information questions are formed with the same inverted word order rule that applies to yes/no questions. Here are some examples:
Information Questions: Standard order
"Who", "what", and "which" can function as the subject in a question. In such cases, no auxiliary verb is used and the question is formed with the standard word order. Take a look at some examples:
subject + verb + objects + complements
Warning
When a question has more than one auxiliary verb, the subject comes after the first auxiliary verb. For example:
Where have
Tip!
When the direct question starts with an interrogative pronoun or adverb, the indirect question starts with the same interrogative word. However, the word order of indirect questions is like a statement, not a question. For example:
She asked: "where are you going?" → She asked
Word Order: Negative
Negative sentences have the same basic word order as declarative sentences. The difference is that negative sentences must contain '
John has moved to LA. → John has
The kitten is cute. → The kitten is
Here, we have a form of be as the main verb.
She is working. → She is
When a sentence contains a modal verb and/or one or more auxiliary verbs, '
You should have talked to her. → You should
They should have been working. → They should
If a verb phrase only has a main verb without any modals or auxiliaries, the auxiliary verb do must be added to make the sentence negative. However, 'be' as a main verb does not need am auxiliary and can be made negative on its own. Remember that 'do' is followed by the base form of the main verb. For example:
He walks. → He
John drank tea.→ John
Word Order: Imperative
The word order of imperative sentences, also called command sentences, is similar to that of declarative sentences. However, in imperative sentences, the subject (you) is usually omitted. These sentences can be affirmative or negative. Take a look at some examples:
Stop making a mess!
Don't call me.
Do not stare at me!
Adjectives Order
Adjectives are used to describe or add information about a noun. If more than one adjective is used in a sentence, a particular order must be followed. The order of adjectives is as follows:
opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose.
Here are some examples:
It was a
It's not that common to use more than three adjectives in a row. But it is possible and grammatically correct.
She was a
The
Adverbs Order
When more than one adverb is used to describe a verb, we have to follow the order of adverbs, which is as follows:
Intensifier, manner, place, frequency, time, and purpose.
Here are some examples:
She walks slowly (manner) down the alley (place) every evening (frequency) at 7 o'clock (time) to walk her dog (purpose).
As you can see, It is uncommon to use all types of adverbs in the same sentence.
I read there (place) each day (frequency) to pass some time (purpose).
Cleft Sentences Order
When we want to put emphasis and direct attention to a particular word or phrase, we can use cleft sentences. In the following, different types of cleft structures are presented with examples:
- It-cleft sentences
- There-cleft sentences
- Wh-cleft sentences
- All-cleft sentence
- If-because sentence
Jane's car got stolen. →
I'm trying to adopt this orphan kid. →
You need to rest for a while. →
She wants a good job. →
He works so hard to support his family. →
Review
Word order in English is important because it can change the spirit, meaning, or fluency of a sentence. You must pay attention to the structure of each sentence and how words are placed.
| questions | the main verb or an auxiliary verb comes before the subject |
|
| who and what as the subject | standard order |
Who |
| negatives | negative sentences must contain not |
I do |
| imperative | the subject (you) is usually omitted | Stop! |
| adjectives | before a noun |
She had |
| adverbs | after verbs |
I drink tea |
| cleft sentences | we use special word orders to emphasize |
|
Quiz:
| Word Order | Type of Sentence |
|---|---|
Subject + Verb + (Object) | |
Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + (Object) | |
Interrogative Word + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb | |
Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Not + Main Verb | |
Verb + (Object) | |
Subject + Auxiliary Verb + Past Participle + "by" + Agent |
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