Word order plays a vital role in making a sentence clear, logical, and effective in communication. In IELTS Speaking or Writing tasks, rearranging words can completely change the tone and meaning of a sentence. So, how do you arrange words in an English sentence correctly and naturally?
Let IDP IELTS help you understand the basic rules of word order in English sentences and apply them effectively to achieve a high score in your English exams.
1. What Is Word Order in English Sentences
Word order refers to the arrangement of words in a sentence according to grammatical rules to form a complete and meaningful statement.
English sentence structure is strict. It is not enough to place meaningful words together; the relationship between words must follow proper grammar to convey the intended meaning accurately.
To arrange words correctly, you need to understand English parts of speech and basic grammatical structures.
2. Types of Words in English
There are 8 basic types of words in English, each serving a different function in a sentence.
Word Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
Noun | Refers to a person, object, event, concept, or material. Can be a subject, object, or complement. | I want to buy an English book. |
Verb | Expresses an action or state. Verbs are the core of the sentence and show the tense. | I play games. |
Adjective | Describes the characteristics or state of a noun. Placed before a noun or after a linking verb. | That car is blue. |
Adverb | Modifies verbs, adjectives, or sentences. Can be a word or phrase. | She often gets up very early. |
Preposition | Shows the relationship of a noun or pronoun with other words, often indicating time, place, or method. | She is good at playing the piano. |
Pronoun | Replaces a noun or noun phrase to avoid repetition. | You should do your homework by yourself. |
Conjunction | Connects words, phrases, or clauses. | I could not go to school because I was sick. |
Interjection | Expresses emotion or reaction quickly and directly. | Ouch That hurts |
3. Word Order in Phrases
3.1. Adjective Order: OSASCOMP
When using multiple adjectives in a sentence, follow this order:
Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Colour → Origin → Material → Purpose
Examples:
Opinion: nice, beautiful, elegant
Size: big, small, medium
Age: new, old, young
Shape: round, square, oval
Colour: red, green, silver
Origin: American, Japanese
Material: leather, wooden, wool
Purpose: sleeping bag, hunting dog
Correct order example: A beautiful big old round wooden coffee table
3.2. Adverb Order
Manner (how): Often placed after the verb or object She sings beautifully He drives carefully
Place (where): Usually placed at the end or after the verb They are playing in the park He went upstairs
Frequency (how often): Placed before the main verb and after auxiliary verbs She usually eats breakfast at 8 am
3.3. Word Order with Phrasal Verbs
Separable phrasal verbs: Object can go between the verb and particle Take your shoes off
Inseparable phrasal verbs: Object follows the entire phrasal verb Take off your shoes
4. Word Order at the Sentence Level
4.1. Declarative Sentences
Used to provide information or state facts.
Structure | Example |
|---|---|
Subject + Verb | I am singing |
Subject + Verb + Object | Harry has drunk two cups of tea |
Subject + Verb + Complement | That juice tastes quite sour |
4.2. Interrogative Sentences
Used to ask questions. The structure changes depending on the type of question.
Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
Yes/No question | Auxiliary verb + subject + main verb | Are you a student |
WH question | WH-word + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb | Where do you live |
4.3. Imperative Sentences
Used to give commands, make requests, or offer suggestions. Often does not include a subject because it is implied as "you".
Structure | Example |
|---|---|
Base verb only | Watch Run Dont move |
Subject + Base verb | Somebody open the door |
Do + Base verb | Do sit down |
Always Never + Verb | Never get in there Dont ever do that again |
4.4. Exclamative Sentences
Used to express emotions or attitudes.
Structure | Example |
|---|---|
What + Adjective + Noun | What a lovely girl |
How + adjective + subject + verb | How good you are |
How + adverb + subject + verb | How quickly he runs |
5. Word Order Exercises
Exercise 1: Arrange the words into affirmative sentences
they / on the couch / sit
we / walk / in the park / often
playing / are / the boys / football
Frank and Jim / after / meet / school
she / is / Australia / from
Exercise 2: Arrange the words into negative sentences
we / homework / do not like
breakfast / does not make / Doris
swimming / you / not / are
the / do / in a flat / live / Millers / not
does not play / she / at school / handball
Answers:
Exercise 1:
They sit on the couch
We often walk in the park
The boys are playing football
Frank and Jim meet after school
She is from Australia
Exercise 2:
We do not like homework
Doris does not make breakfast
You are not swimming
The Millers do not live in a flat
She does not play handball at school
Practice Word Order Effectively with IDP
Mastering word order is essential to speak and write English fluently. Correct word arrangement improves clarity and helps deliver your message naturally.
Use IDP’s free study resources or download the IELTS by IDP app to access expert test tips and grammar guides.
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