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Rules›Simple sentence: word order
A1

Simple sentence: word order

A simple sentence has one complete idea. The basic order is subject + verb + object; after be, the description follows; time and place details go at the end.

  1. subject + verb + object

    When to use it
    The subject comes before the verb in a basic statement.
    The object comes after the verb when the verb needs one.
    Short affirmative sentences follow subject + verb + object order.
    The pattern shows who does the action and what receives it.

    Build an example

    Subject
    Verb
    Object
    Annareadsemails

    Anna reads emails.

    Start with the subject, then the verb, then the object.

    Common mistake
    Likes Anna coffee.Anna likes coffee.
    In a basic statement, the subject comes first, then the verb.
    ✗ If all the words are there, their order does not matter much.
    ✓ In English, word order carries meaning. Basic statements need a stable order: subject first, then verb.