Verb + Object

The most common order of words in sentences is as follows:
Subject + Verb + Object

Examples:

  • Sally speaks English.
  • John reads the newspaper.
 

Place & Time

In English, the place is usually mentioned before the time.

Examples:

  • I go to the supermarket every Saturday.(NOT: I go every Saturday to the supermarket)
  • Bill has lived in London for 10 years.(NOT: Bill has lived for 10 years in London)
 

Adverbs of Frequency

Adverbs of frequency such as always, never, sometimes, often, rarely, etc. generally go before the verb.

Examples:

  • Susan often goes shopping.
  • I never gamble.
  • They always sleep early.

However, with the verb to be, they go after the verb.

Examples:

  • She is rarely late.
  • He is never home before dark.

They can also go between two verbs.

Examples:

  • I will always remember my brother.
  • I have never been to Japan.