Stop navigatie

build a statement

A statement has a very simple basic structure: Subject + Auxiliary + Verb + Time
so: Subject first, and Time always last
note: if something is not there,
just leave its place open
She is waiting now.
We have met this week.
I like tea.
and there is always an alternative
with exactly the same meaning:
Time + Subject + Auxiliary + Verb
so: Time first, but the rest the same Now she is waiting.
This week we have met.
If there is an object, simply put it at the end

Subj + Aux + Verb + Obj + Time

but remember: Time is always last

and of course there is always the alternative

They are reading a book now.
We have met your brother today.
I drink tea every morning.

Now they re reading a book.
Today we have met your brother.
Every morning I drink tea.

Words like often, usually, seldom... are put between Auxiliary and Verb Subj + Aux + Freq + Verb + Obj + Time
these are adverbs that say that the action is repeated
(difficult word: frequency adverbs)
She has often visited her brother this month.
They usually have dinner at 6 o'clock.
Bob seldom rode a bike last year.

In short:
  1. the centre of a statement is Subject + Aux + Verb
  2. Time is always the last or the first part of a statement
  3. nothing between Aux and Verb except often, usually...
  4. all the rest at the end of the sentence
    but: before Time of course