LEVEL 2 INSTITUTO DE IDIOMAS UNIVERSIDAD DE SEVILLA LEVEL 2 INSTITUTO DE IDIOMAS UNIVERSIDAD DE SEVILLA LEVEL 2

BASIC WORD ORDER

In general, word order in English is more rigid and inflexible than in Spanish. The following are examples of normal cases of word order and position of adverbs in English. 1. Affirmative sentences. The basic order of the elements of the sentence is Subject + Verb + Direct Object He studies German. I am going to send an e-mail. This is true even for Passive Voice (usually no direct object) and in relative clauses. The music was composed by Mozart. The book that I bought was interesting. 1. Position of adverbs and adverbial phrases a) Adverbs of time (tonight, tomorrow, a year ago, etc.) The most normal position is at the end of the sentence or idea. Im going out with my friends tonight. We dont have class tomorrow. I finished my degree a year ago. We occasionally place these adverbs at the beginning of a sentence, often followed by a comma. In the 20th century, millions of people died in wars. b) Adverbs of place (nearby, at home, in the center, etc.) The position is usually at the end of the sentence (if there no time adverb). I live nearby. I study at home. However, I studied at home last night. With verbs that express movement, adverbs that indicate destination follow immediately. I went to the bar to have a drink. I travelled to London to see Big Ben. c) Adverbs of frequency (always, never, sometimes, often, usually) and others (still, also, only) In affirmative sentences these adverbs appear immediately after the verb be and immediately before other main verbs. I am always late. John is still single. I always arrive late. I still love you. Both and all follow these rules for position, too. We are both from Indiana. They are all here now. They both like peas. We all go out together on Friday evenings. d)
TOO/ YET: at end of sentence.

Im happy, too. I havent seen that film yet 2. structures: a) b) 3. In sentences with direct and indirect objects there are generally two possible subject + verb + direct object + TO + indirect object I lent my notes to him. subject + verb + indirect object + direct object I lent him my notes. (In this case we dont use to) In indirect questions interrogative order is only used once. Do you think (that) English is difficult? Can you tell me where he lives?

5. In indirect speech interrogative word order is not used. Ask Paul where he put the glasses. Tell me when you would like to leave.