The basic pattern
A complete English sentence needs at least a subject (who or what) and a verb (what they do or are). Many sentences also have an object (who or what receives the action). The usual word order is Subject – Verb – Object (SVO).
Annasubject
readsverb
books.object
The childrensubject
playverb
footballobject
every day.time
Common patterns
| Pattern | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subject + Verb (S V) | Birds fly. | Some verbs need no object. |
| Subject + Verb + Object (S V O) | She eats an apple. | The object answers “what?” or “whom?” |
| Subject + be + Complement (S V C) | He is a teacher. / It is cold. | After be we use a noun or adjective. |
| Subject + Verb + Object + Place + Time | I met my friend in the park yesterday. | Place usually comes before time. |
Rule
Word order is fixed in English
- The subject comes before the verb: Tom likes pizza. (not “Likes Tom pizza”).
- The object comes after the verb: I love music.
- Adjectives come before the noun: a red car.
- Every sentence needs a subject, even it: It is raining. (not “Is raining.”)
- A statement starts with a capital letter and ends with a full stop.
Correct
- I like tea.
- She is a nurse.
- It is late.
Incorrect
- Like I tea.
- She a nurse.
- Is late.
Lots of examples
- Dogs bark.S V
- My mother cooks dinner.S V O
- The sky is blue.S V C
- We play tennis on Saturdays.S V O + time
- He bought a new phone yesterday.S V O + time
- They live in a small town.S V + place
- She gave her sister a present.S V + two objects
- The baby sleeps quietly.S V + adverb
- I love you.Shortest love story: S V O
- It is raining.Dummy subject it
- Our teacher writes on the board.S V + place
- The students study English at school every morning.S V O + place + time
Don’t say / Say
Don’t sayIs raining.
SayIt is raining.Why: English needs a subject.
Don’t sayLikes pizza my brother.
SayMy brother likes pizza.Why: Subject first, then verb.
Don’t sayShe a doctor.
SayShe is a doctor.Why: Don’t forget the verb be.
Don’t sayI yesterday met him.
SayI met him yesterday.Why: Time words usually go at the end.
Don’t sayI have car red.
SayI have a red car.Why: Adjective before the noun.