Word Order in English

by Rebecca

Verb + Object

The most common order of words in sentences is as follows:
Subject + Verb + Object

Sally speaks English. John reads the newspaper.

Place & Time

In English, the place is usually mentioned before the time.

I go to the supermarket every Saturday.
I go every Saturday to the supermarket.

Bill has lived in London for 10 years.
Bill has lived for 10 years in London.

Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency such as always, never, sometimes, often, rarely, etc. generally go before the verb:

Susan often goes shopping. I never gamble. They always sleep early.

However, with the verb to be, they go after the verb:

She is rarely late. He is never home before dark.

They can also go between two verbs:

I will always remember my brother. I have never been to Japan.