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.

The basic word order of an English sentence is subject + predicate. The predicate always contains a verb that says something about the subject. English sentences have a standard general order that depends on the type of verb:

Here are some examples of each structure:

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:

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:

In yes/no questions the word order is as follows:
'modal/auxiliary verb + subject + main verb + object'.
For example:

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:

Questions that begin with a interrogative pronoun or interrogative adverb such as why, when, where, which, what, whom, whose, and how cannot be answered with a yes or no. That's why they are called information questions. We have two different types of wh-questions that are discussed below:

Most information questions are formed with the same inverted word order rule that applies to yes/no questions. Here are some examples:

"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:

Negative sentences have the same basic word order as declarative sentences. The difference is that negative sentences must contain 'not'. For example:

When a sentence contains a modal verb and/or one or more auxiliary verbs, 'not' comes right after the modal or auxiliary verb. For example:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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: