El orden de los elementos de una oración
In English, a sentence has a basic word order, usually starting with a subject and a verb.
· Time expressions can also come at the beginning of the sentence
This year, we are studying English
· Frequently adverbs (always, often, usually, never, sometimes, seldom) come before the main verb or after the verb to be
She usually gets on the bus at 3.30
They are never late for class.
· Adjectives usually go before the noun and after the verbs to be or to feel
I’ve got free tickets for the game
She doesn’t feel very well tonight
When more than one adjective describe a noun the order is
Determiner+general description+size+shape+condition+age+colour+origin+material
A charming little white stone cottage.
A comfortable old Moroccan leather armchair
· When there are two objects in a sentence, the indirect object goes immediately after the verb; if it is necessary to place it after the direct object, it takes a prepositions
She is writing him a poem
She is writing a poem to him
· Adverbs of manner never go between the verb and the object
Slowly, he read every word.
He slowly read every word
Copy the chart.
1. Then write the words in the sentences below in the correct columns
a. She guides the groups patiently through the museum each day.
b. Ron wore a funny hat to the party last night
c. Janis drove quickly to the hospital
d. We are taking the bus to town tonight
2. Arrange the words in the correct order to form sentences
a. Nervously/ Sara/ to the centre of the stage/ walked
b. Left/ yesterday/ I/ at school/ my jacket
c. Nice clothes/ to the interview/ should wear/ you
d. Tonight/ Timothy/ a friend/ is meeting
Questions have also got a specific word order
Subject/ verb agreement
Singular subjects have singular verbs and plural subjects have plural verbs. However, note the following:
· When singular nouns refer to groups (collective nouns), the verb can be either singular o plural
My family is/ are coming with me.
· Many uncountable nouns that end in –s have singular verbs
Aerobics is my favourite class
The news is not very good, I am afraid.
· Other uncountable nouns are plural and have plural verbs
The police are investigating the crime
· Indefinite pronouns (anyone, everybody, everything,…) usually take singular verbs
Everything was fine
Why is everybody leaving?