Word order in English – Common Errors

Avoid mistakes using the correct worder

1. Sentences

correct word order incorrect word order tip
I was shopping in Leipzig. I was in Leipzig shopping. 1
He played football yesterday. He played yesterday football . 2
Yesterday he played football.
Dan rode his bike carefully. Dan rode carefully his bike. 3
He often reads books. He reads often books. 4a
He Is always late. He always is late. 4b
tip Be careful! detailed explanation
1 main verb before place Word order: subject-verb-object-place-time
2 place before expression of time Word order: subject-verb-object-place-time
3 object before adverb of manner Position of adverbs
4a adverb of frequency before main verb Position of adverbs of frequency
4b adverb of frequency after form of to be Position of adverbs of frequency

2. Questions

correct word order incorrect word order tip
Do you play football or handball? Play you football or handball? 5
When did you see Peggy yesterday? When did you yesterday see Peggy? 6
tip Be careful! detailed explanation
5 Start the question with the auxiliary do. Questions in the Simple Present
6 Put the expression of time (yesterday) at the end of the question. Questions in the Simple Past