Word Order in English Sentences
In the English language there are no different forms for subjects and objects. To keep
subject and object apart, however, we have to stick to the word order.
Explanations and Exercises
Word Order in Positive Sentences
Word Order in Negative Sentences
Word Order in Subordinate Clauses
Position of Time Expressions
Position of Adverbs
Word Order in Questions
Word Order in Positive Sentences
For the beginning, remember this simple rule:
subject verb(s) object
I speak English
I can speak English
If you are a more advanced learner, remember the following rule:
subject verb(s9 indirect object direct object place time
I will tell you the story at school tomorrow.
Exercises on English Word Order
Word Order in Affirmative Sentences 1
Arrange the words to make affirmative sentences.
1. like / I / you →
I like you.
2. French / I / speak →
3. hates / pigeons / he →
4. they / song / a / sing →
5. sell / flowers / we →
6. you / see / me / can →
7. buy / milk / he / wants to →
8. feed / you / my / cat / can →
9. sister / has / my / got / a dog →

3. to a party / not / we / tonight / going / are
→
4. will / a letter / not / next week / send / you / she
→
5. not / the truth / did / he / tell / you
→
6. to the cinema / we / want / not / do / tonight / to go
→
7. play / in the bar / did / he / last week / not / the piano
→
8. not / now / she / in England / is
→
9. eat / in winter / ice-cream / do / not / I
→
10.right now / have / not / we / time / do
→
Word Order in Subordinate Clauses
In subordinate clauses, the word order is the same as in simple affirmative sentences.
(Conjunctions are often used between two clauses):
conjunction subject verb(s) indirect object direct object place time
I will tell you the story at school tomorrow ...
because I don't have time now.
Exercises on English Word Order
Subordinate Clauses
Complete the sentences with the words in brackets. Place time expressions at the end of the
sentences.
1. She is in great form because (every week / goes / she / to the gym)
she goes to
.
2. I think (likes / Susan / you) .

Both sentences are correct.
2. We often go to the cinema.
We go often to the cinema.
Both sentences are correct.
3. Next Tuesday I will go to the cinema.
I will go to the cinema next Tuesday.
Both sentences are correct.
4. They never go to the cinema.
They go to the cinema never.
Both sentences are correct.
5. She goes every Sunday to the cinema.
She goes to the cinema every Sunday.
Both sentences are correct.
6. I seldom am at the cinema.
I am seldom at the cinema.
Both sentences are correct.
7. I don't go to the cinema every week.
I don't go every week to the cinema.
Both sentences are correct.