Unit 8 - Life-Changing Decisions
Word Order in Sentences
Keep English sentence patterns clear while adding B2-level complexity.
1. Core Pattern
B1 sentence: I will go to the store tomorrow.
Pattern = Subject + Verb + Object + Adverbials.
At B2 we add clauses, adverbs, and emphasis without breaking the order.
2. Statement Patterns
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple declarative | S + V + O | She finished the report. |
| With indirect objects | S + V + IO + DO | They gave us the results. |
| With adverbs | S + V + O + time/place | We met the client yesterday in London. |
| Negative | S + auxiliary + not + V | He has not completed the task. |
| Questions | Auxiliary + S + V | Have you finished the work? |
3. Adverb Placement
- Manner (how): after the verb/object → She explained the idea clearly.
- Place: after object or verb → They met in the lobby.
- Time: usually at the end → We will call you tomorrow.
- Frequency: before main verb / after be → She often works late. / He is always prepared.
4. Fronting for Emphasis
- Time/Place fronting: Yesterday, we reviewed the budget.
- Negative adverbials (inversion): Never have I seen such dedication.
- Conditionals without if: Had I known, I would have called.
Stay balanced
Fronting adds emphasis but can sound formal; use it sparingly in everyday speech.
5. Practice
- Reorder mixed words to create grammatically correct sentences.
- Rewrite neutral sentences with fronted elements for emphasis.
- Check one of your paragraphs for adverb placement and adjust if necessary.
Quick Review
- Default order: Subject → Verb → Object → Adverbials.
- Learn where adverbs belong to avoid confusion.
- Use fronting and inversion strategically for emphasis.