word order
/wɜːd ˈɔː.dər/
Meaning
This term refers to the specific arrangement of words in a sentence. In English, maintaining the correct word order (usually Subject-Verb-Object) is crucial for clarity, as changing it can completely alter the meaning or make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
Examples
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If you change the word order, the sentence means something completely different.
If you change the word order, the sentence means something completely different.
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German has a much more flexible word order than modern English.
German has a much more flexible word order than modern English.
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The teacher marked my essay down because of incorrect word order in the introduction.
The teacher marked my essay down because of incorrect word order in the introduction.
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In English questions, the word order usually changes to put the auxiliary verb first.
In English questions, the word order usually changes to put the auxiliary verb first.
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Paying attention to word order is essential when translating idiomatic expressions.
Paying attention to word order is essential when translating idiomatic expressions.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I yesterday went to the store.
✓ I went to the store yesterday.
Adverbs of time like 'yesterday' should not disrupt the standard Subject-Verb-Object word order in English.
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✗ She explained me the word order.
✓ She explained the word order to me.
The verb 'explain' requires the direct object first, followed by 'to' and the indirect object.
Related Expressions
Practice
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In English, standard ___ places the subject before the verb.
💡 The arrangement of words in a sentence.
Show answer
word order
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He struggled with the ___ when learning to write in German.
💡 The sequence of words.
Show answer
word order