Word Order

WORD ORDER
Word Order
 refers to the sequence or order in which words are
to be placed in a sentence.
 the order or arrangement of words in a phrase,
clause, or sentence. (Merriam Webster Dictionary)
 the arrangement of words in a phrase, clause, or
sentence. In many languages, including English,
word order plays an important part in determining
meanings expressed in other languages by
inflections. (Collins Dictionary)
WHY
FOLLOW
WORD
ORDER??
??
1. I only like non-vegetarian dishes.
2. Only I like non-vegetarian dishes.
3. I like only non-vegetarian dishes.
4. I like non-vegetarian dishes only.
Applying Word Order in
Sentences
Rules and Examples
Rule 1 – Subject + Predicate
Every assertive sentence has a subject and a
predicate.
For example:
I / like mangoes.
Dona and Steve / are going to the mall.
It / is a beautiful day.
Tomorrow / is Wednesday.
My mother / is a teacher.

Rule 2 – Negative Sentences
The word ‘not’ is normally used to indicate a negative
thought. So, when a sentence has to be made negative,
the word ‘not’ usually comes after the verb.
Examples of negative sentences:
It is not right.
The girl does not know what to do.
I cannot find my purse.
There has not been any update on the condition of the
patient.
Sarah did not wear a black dress though we had
informed her earlier.

Rule 3 – Interrogative Sentences
If you had analysed how interrogative sentences are
structured, you would have seen that the positions of
the subject and the verb are interchanged.
For example:
Are you happy?
Have you found your wallet?
What are you doing?
Do you like the new playground?
Would you be able to help me with this?

Rule 4 – Sentences with Complements
SVC (Subject Complement)

SVCO/SVOC (object complement)
For Example
 Emma is a psychologist.
 It made everything easy.
 I had a bad day.
 The class looks dirty.
 She loves floral skirts.

Rule 5 – Sentences with Adjuncts
Adverbs, adverbial phrases, adverb clauses and
prepositional phrases can act as adjuncts and can
appear any number of times and be placed anywhere
in a sentence.
For examples
 I reached home yesterday.
 We are leaving next week.
 After we finish our work, we will help you out.
 There is a new hypermarket at the end of the street.
 He called us as soon as he found out.

Rule 6 – Sentences with Indirect Objects
In sentences with an indirect object, the indirect

object is placed after the verb and before the direct
object.
Examples of sentences with indirect objects:
The teacher gave us our marksheets.
I send Christmas presents to all my friends.
Joey danced with Phoebe.
Keerthana made Raam a birthday card.
My brother bought me a smart watch.

Rule 7 – Sentences with Multiple Adjectives
The use of multiple adjectives to describe one particular noun in a

sentence is allowed, but there is an order in which these adjectives
are to be placed. The order of adjectives is as follows:
Determiner
Adjective of quantity
Opinion
Size
Age
Shape
Colour
Origin
Material
Qualifier/Purpose
Rule 7 – Sentences with Multiple Adjectives
Examples of sentences with multiple adjectives:

 My mother gave me a big white teddy bear for my
birthday.
 There was a huge circular compartment in the cupboard.
 I am wearing a red soft silk Banarasi saree for my best
friend’s wedding.
 The fifty-six year old historical arts museum is being
demolished.
 The bridesmaids wore beautiful long black lace dresses.
Rule 8 – Sentences with Multiple
Adverbs
The position of the adverb is based on which part of
speech it is modifying. If it is modifying the verb, it
is placed after the verb; if it is modifying the
adjective, it is placed before the adjective, and if it is
modifying another adverb, it is placed just before the
adverb it is modifying.
Rule 8 – Sentences with Multiple
Adverbs
Examples of sentences with multiple adjectives:
 We reached the railway station around 8 p.m.
 Last night, my friends and I had dinner at Hotel
Taj.
 Brittany was extremely angry with the way the
officials spoke to her parents.

 They always take the 9 a.m. bus to college.
 I need it now.

Word Order

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WORD ORDER

Dona and Steve / are going to the mall.

It / is a beautiful day.

My mother / is a teacher.

The girl does not know what to do.

I cannot find my purse.

There has not been any update on the condition of the

informed her earlier.

Have you found your wallet?

What are you doing?

Do you like the new playground?

Would you be able to help me with this?

SVC (Subject Complement)

 It made everything easy.

 I had a bad day.

 The class looks dirty.

 She loves floral skirts.

 We are leaving next week.

 After we finish our work, we will help you out.

 There is a new hypermarket at the end of the street.

 He called us as soon as he found out.

In sentences with an indirect object, the indirect

I send Christmas presents to all my friends.

Joey danced with Phoebe.

Keerthana made Raam a birthday card.

My brother bought me a smart watch.

The use of multiple adjectives to describe one particular noun in a

Examples of sentences with multiple adjectives:

 I am wearing a red soft silk Banarasi saree for my best

 Last night, my friends and I had dinner at Hotel

officials spoke to her parents.

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