Word order

What is Word order?

Word order in English is much more rigid than in Spanish. The basic structure is subject + verb + object (SVO). Changing the order usually changes the meaning: "The dog bit the man" and "The man bit the dog" do not say the same thing, while in Spanish word order can be more flexible.

When to use it

You need it every time you build a sentence. It matters most when placing adjectives, adverbs and time and place expressions, and when forming questions.

Common mistakes and tips for Spanish speakers

• The adjective goes before the noun: "a big house", never "a house big".
• Frequency adverbs go before the main verb ("I always eat") but after be ("She is always late").
• Place usually comes before time: "I work at home on Fridays".

Examples

• She always drinks tea.

  Ella siempre toma té.

• I bought a red car yesterday.

  Ayer compré un coche rojo.

• He is never late.

  Él nunca llega tarde.

• They live in a big house.

  Viven en una casa grande.