A1 English GrammarBasic Word Order (SVO)
Learn the fundamental English sentence structure: Subject-Verb-Object. Understand how to build correct simple sentences and where to place adverbs and other elements.
1Subject-Verb-Object (SVO)
English follows a strict Subject-Verb-Object word order. The subject (who/what does the action) comes first, then the verb (the action), then the object (who/what receives the action). This order rarely changes in statements.
SVO Structure
| Subject | Verb | Object |
|---|---|---|
| I | eat | breakfast |
| She | reads | books |
| They | play | football |
| The cat | caught | a mouse |
Examples
I love pizza.
I love pizza.
S + V + O
She speaks English.
She speaks English.
S + V + O
The children are playing games.
The children are playing games.
S + V + O
My mother makes delicious food.
My mother makes delicious food.
S + V + O
2Place and Time
When adding place and time to a sentence, the usual order is: Subject + Verb + Object + Place + Time. Time can also go at the beginning for emphasis. Remember: Place before Time!
Adding Place and Time
| Element | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Place | after object | I work in London. |
| Time | at the end | I work in London every day. |
| Time (emphasis) | at the beginning | Every day, I work in London. |
Examples
I met her at the cafe yesterday.
I met her at the cafe yesterday.
S + V + O + Place + Time
They play tennis in the park on Sundays.
They play tennis in the park on Sundays.
S + V + O + Place + Time
Tomorrow, I will call you.
Tomorrow, I will call you.
Time at start for emphasis
3Adverb Position
Adverbs of frequency (always, usually, often, sometimes, never) typically go before the main verb but after 'be'. Adverbs of manner (quickly, slowly) usually go at the end of the sentence.
Adverb Placement
| Adverb Type | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | before main verb | I always eat breakfast. |
| Frequency | after 'be' | She is always happy. |
| Manner | end of sentence | He runs quickly. |
Examples
I usually wake up at 7 AM.
I usually wake up at 7 AM.
frequency before verb
He is never late.
He is never late.
frequency after 'be'
She speaks English fluently.
She speaks English fluently.
manner at end
They often visit their grandparents.
They often visit their grandparents.
frequency before verb
4Sentences Without Objects
Not all sentences need an object. Some verbs (intransitive verbs) work alone or with adverbs/prepositions. The structure is simply: Subject + Verb (+ other information).
Examples
The baby is sleeping.
The baby is sleeping.
no object needed
She laughed loudly.
She laughed loudly.
verb + adverb
We arrived at the airport.
We arrived at the airport.
verb + preposition phrase
It rains a lot here.
It rains a lot here.
weather verb + adverbs