Sentence Structure
Build clear sentences with subject, verb and object in the right order.
What Is It?
Every complete English sentence needs a subject and a verb. The basic word order is Subject – Verb – Object (SVO): Joe (S) drinks (V) tea (O).
Why Do English Speakers Use It?
English depends heavily on word order to show meaning. “The dog bit the man” and “The man bit the dog” mean very different things.
When to Use It
- S + V: Monica smiled.
- S + V + O: Joe plays football.
- S + V + Complement: The food is delicious.
- S + V + O + Place + Time: I met Rina at the café yesterday.
When NOT to Use It
Don’t drop the subject (“Is raining”) or put the object before the verb (“I tea drink”). English needs “It is raining” and “I drink tea”.
Sentence Structure
| Subject | Verb | Object / rest |
|---|---|---|
| She | reads | books. |
| We | visited | our grandparents last week. |
| It | is | cold today. |
Grammar Rules
- Place usually comes before time: I study at home in the evening.
- Adjectives go before nouns: a red car (not a car red).
- Use “it” or “there” as a dummy subject: It’s late. There’s a problem.
- Join two complete ideas with and, but, so, because.
Real-Life Examples
- My brother works in a bank.
- It is very hot today.
- We had lunch at a small restaurant on Friday.
- I was tired, so I went home.
Common Learner Mistakes
- Is very cold today.It is very cold today.
- I every day drink coffee.I drink coffee every day.
- She bought a dress red.She bought a red dress.
Quick Memory Tip
Remember the train: Who? → Does what? → To what? → Where? → When?
Real Conversation
Monica: What did you do on Friday?
Joe: I watched a movie with my cousins at Bashundhara City.
Monica: Was it good?
Joe: It was fantastic!
Interactive Practice
Pick an answer to check your understanding.
Question 1 of 5
Choose the correct order.
Question 2 of 5
Never ___ such a beautiful sunset.
Question 3 of 5
Not only ___ late, but he also forgot the tickets.
Question 4 of 5
It’s already midnight. It’s high time we ___ home.
Question 5 of 5
___ the email again, she realised she had sent it to the wrong person.
Final Mini Quiz
One last check before you mark the lesson complete.
What does every complete English sentence need?
Finished the lesson?
Log in to save lesson progress and earn XP.