Word order in English

Word order in present simple questions

The order of words in an English question in present simple is:

 Question Word + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Infinitive.

  • What do you know?
  • Where do you go?

In Yes-No questions (questions that we answer saying yes or no) there is NO Question Word.

  • Do you live in Rome?
  • Does she live here?

Subject + verb

In English, we normally need to include the subject in a sentence. The subject goes before the verb.

  • We eat.
  • She is dancing.

We don’t include the subject in imperative sentences

  • Give me that pen, please!
  • Call me soon!

We can put an adverb of frequency between the subject and the verb. BUT adverbs of frequency go after the verb when the verb is be.

  • We seldom go to the theater.
  • BUT: They are always here.


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