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Standard English word order and sentence patterns.
Practice: build the sentences →English generally relies on a relatively fixed word order to show the grammatical relationships between subjects, verbs, objects, complements, and adverbials.
The basic declarative pattern is commonly subject + verb + object or subject + linking verb + complement.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
Basic declarative pattern: subject "She" + verb "works" + adverbial "in London".
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
Subject "The children" + verb phrase "are playing" + adverbial "outside".
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Subject + verb + direct object: "She" + "opened" + "the door".
He became a doctor.
Он стал врачом.
Subject + linking verb + complement: "He" + "became" + "a doctor".
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
Subject + verb + object: "They" + "bought" + "a new car".
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
Subject + intransitive verb: "The baby" + "slept".
She is happy.
Она счастлива.
Subject + linking verb + complement: "She" + "is" + "happy".
We watched the film.
Мы смотрели фильм.
Subject + verb + object: "We" + "watched" + "the film".
In ordinary affirmative statements, the subject normally comes before the main verb.
For example, She works in London and The children are playing outside.
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
Subject "She" comes before the main verb "works".
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
Subject "The children" comes before the verb phrase "are playing".
He became a doctor.
Он стал врачом.
Subject "He" comes before the linking verb "became".
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
Subject "They" comes before the main verb "bought".
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
Subject "The baby" comes before the main verb "slept".
She is happy.
Она счастлива.
Subject "She" comes before the linking verb "is".
We watched the film.
Мы смотрели фильм.
Subject "We" comes before the main verb "watched".
The guests arrived.
Гости прибыли.
Subject "The guests" comes before the main verb "arrived".
In the common subject + verb + object pattern, the direct object normally follows the verb.
For example, She opened the door and They bought a new car.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
The direct object "the door" follows the verb "opened".
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
The direct object "a new car" follows the verb "bought".
She read the book.
Она прочитала книгу.
The direct object "the book" follows the verb "read".
We invited John.
Мы пригласили Джона.
The direct object "John" follows the verb "invited".
He answered the question.
Он ответил на вопрос.
The direct object "the question" follows the verb "answered".
The dog chased the cat.
Собака погналась за кошкой.
The direct object "the cat" follows the verb "chased".
She wrote a letter.
Она написала письмо.
The direct object "a letter" follows the verb "wrote".
They discussed the problem.
Они обсудили проблему.
The direct object "the problem" follows the verb "discussed".
A linking verb is normally followed by a subject complement rather than a direct object.
For example, She is happy, He became a doctor, and The situation seems difficult.
She is happy.
Она счастлива.
The linking verb "is" is followed by the subject complement "happy".
He became a doctor.
Он стал врачом.
The linking verb "became" is followed by the subject complement "a doctor".
The situation seems difficult.
Ситуация кажется сложной.
The linking verb "seems" is followed by the subject complement "difficult".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
The linking verb "is" is followed by the subject complement "quiet".
She remains a mystery.
Она остаётся загадкой.
The linking verb "remains" is followed by the subject complement "a mystery".
The children became excited.
Дети стали взволнованными.
The linking verb "became" is followed by the subject complement "excited".
He seems tired.
Он кажется уставшим.
The linking verb "seems" is followed by the subject complement "tired".
The weather remained cold.
Погода оставалась холодной.
The linking verb "remained" is followed by the subject complement "cold".
Intransitive verbs can form complete clauses without a direct object.
For example, The baby slept and The guests arrived.
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
The intransitive verb "slept" forms a complete clause with the subject "The baby".
The guests arrived.
Гости прибыли.
The intransitive verb "arrived" forms a complete clause with the subject "The guests".
The children laughed.
Дети смеялись.
The intransitive verb "laughed" forms a complete clause with the subject "The children".
She smiled.
Она улыбнулась.
The intransitive verb "smiled" forms a complete clause with the subject "She".
The sun rose.
Солнце взошло.
The intransitive verb "rose" forms a complete clause with the subject "The sun".
He died.
Он умер.
The intransitive verb "died" forms a complete clause with the subject "He".
They agreed.
Они согласились.
The intransitive verb "agreed" forms a complete clause with the subject "They".
The train departed.
Поезд отправился.
The intransitive verb "departed" forms a complete clause with the subject "The train".
A common transitive clause follows the pattern subject + verb + direct object.
For example, She reads books and We watched the film.
She reads books.
Она читает книги.
Subject "She" + verb "reads" + direct object "books".
We watched the film.
Мы смотрели фильм.
Subject "We" + verb "watched" + direct object "the film".
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Subject "She" + verb "opened" + direct object "the door".
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
Subject "They" + verb "bought" + direct object "a new car".
He answered the question.
Он ответил на вопрос.
Subject "He" + verb "answered" + direct object "the question".
The dog chased the cat.
Собака погналась за кошкой.
Subject "The dog" + verb "chased" + direct object "the cat".
She wrote a letter.
Она написала письмо.
Subject "She" + verb "wrote" + direct object "a letter".
They discussed the problem.
Они обсудили проблему.
Subject "They" + verb "discussed" + direct object "the problem".
Some verbs allow a double-object construction in which the recipient comes before the thing transferred.
For example, She gave me a present and They sent John an email.
She gave me a present.
Она дала мне подарок.
Subject "She" + verb "gave" + indirect object "me" + direct object "a present".
They sent John an email.
Они отправили Джону электронное письмо.
Subject "They" + verb "sent" + indirect object "John" + direct object "an email".
He told us a story.
Он рассказал нам историю.
Subject "He" + verb "told" + indirect object "us" + direct object "a story".
The teacher gave the students homework.
Учитель дал ученикам домашнее задание.
Subject "The teacher" + verb "gave" + indirect object "the students" + direct object "homework".
She showed me her new dress.
Она показала мне своё новое платье.
Subject "She" + verb "showed" + indirect object "me" + direct object "her new dress".
They offered him a job.
Они предложили ему работу.
Subject "They" + verb "offered" + indirect object "him" + direct object "a job".
She read the children a story.
Она прочитала детям историю.
Subject "She" + verb "read" + indirect object "the children" + direct object "a story".
He passed me the salt.
Он передал мне соль.
Subject "He" + verb "passed" + indirect object "me" + direct object "the salt".
Some verbs are followed by an object and an object complement.
For example, They painted the door red and The news made her angry.
They painted the door red.
Они покрасили дверь в красный цвет.
Subject "They" + verb "painted" + object "the door" + object complement "red".
The news made her angry.
Новость рассердила её.
Subject "The news" + verb "made" + object "her" + object complement "angry".
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
Subject "They" + verb "elected" + object "him" + object complement "president".
The committee appointed her manager.
Комитет назначил её менеджером.
Subject "The committee" + verb "appointed" + object "her" + object complement "manager".
We found the movie boring.
Мы нашли фильм скучным.
Subject "We" + verb "found" + object "the movie" + object complement "boring".
She called him a liar.
Она назвала его лжецом.
Subject "She" + verb "called" + object "him" + object complement "a liar".
The judge declared the man innocent.
Судья признал мужчину невиновным.
Subject "The judge" + verb "declared" + object "the man" + object complement "innocent".
They made him the team captain.
Они сделали его капитаном команды.
Subject "They" + verb "made" + object "him" + object complement "the team captain".
Attributive adjectives normally occur before the noun they modify.
For example, a large house, an interesting book, and an expensive car.
a large house
большой дом
The adjective "large" comes before the noun "house".
an interesting book
интересная книга
The adjective "interesting" comes before the noun "book".
an expensive car
дорогая машина
The adjective "expensive" comes before the noun "car".
a beautiful garden
красивый сад
The adjective "beautiful" comes before the noun "garden".
a tall man
высокий мужчина
The adjective "tall" comes before the noun "man".
a quiet room
тихая комната
The adjective "quiet" comes before the noun "room".
a delicious meal
вкусная еда
The adjective "delicious" comes before the noun "meal".
a new laptop
новый ноутбук
The adjective "new" comes before the noun "laptop".
Adverbs of frequency commonly occur before the main verb but after be.
For example, She often works late, but She is often tired.
She often works late.
Она часто работает допоздна.
The frequency adverb "often" comes before the main verb "works".
She is often tired.
Она часто устаёт.
The frequency adverb "often" comes after the verb "is".
He always arrives on time.
Он всегда приходит вовремя.
The frequency adverb "always" comes before the main verb "arrives".
She never eats meat.
Она никогда не ест мясо.
The frequency adverb "never" comes before the main verb "eats".
They sometimes go to the cinema.
Они иногда ходят в кино.
The frequency adverb "sometimes" comes before the main verb "go".
We usually have lunch at noon.
Мы обычно обедаем в полдень.
The frequency adverb "usually" comes before the main verb "have".
She rarely watches TV.
Она редко смотрит телевизор.
The frequency adverb "rarely" comes before the main verb "watches".
He is always happy.
Он всегда счастлив.
The frequency adverb "always" comes after the verb "is".
An adverb of frequency or similar adverb commonly occurs after an auxiliary and before the main lexical verb.
For example, She has always worked hard and They will probably arrive soon.
She has always worked hard.
Она всегда усердно работала.
The adverb "always" comes after the auxiliary "has" and before the main verb "worked".
They will probably arrive soon.
Они, вероятно, скоро прибудут.
The adverb "probably" comes after the auxiliary "will" and before the main verb "arrive".
He has never been abroad.
Он никогда не был за границей.
The adverb "never" comes after the auxiliary "has" and before the main verb "been".
She can always count on me.
Она всегда может на меня положиться.
The adverb "always" comes after the auxiliary "can" and before the main verb "count".
They have already finished.
Они уже закончили.
The adverb "already" comes after the auxiliary "have" and before the main verb "finished".
She is probably working now.
Она, вероятно, сейчас работает.
The adverb "probably" comes after the auxiliary "is" and before the main verb "working".
We have just arrived.
Мы только что прибыли.
The adverb "just" comes after the auxiliary "have" and before the main verb "arrived".
He will definitely come.
Он определённо придёт.
The adverb "definitely" comes after the auxiliary "will" and before the main verb "come".
Manner adverbials commonly occur after the verb and its object, although other positions are possible for emphasis or style.
For example, She opened the door carefully and He answered the question politely.
She opened the door carefully.
Она осторожно открыла дверь.
The manner adverbial "carefully" comes after the verb and its object.
He answered the question politely.
Он вежливо ответил на вопрос.
The manner adverbial "politely" comes after the verb and its object.
They walked slowly.
Они шли медленно.
The manner adverbial "slowly" comes after the verb.
She sang beautifully.
Она красиво пела.
The manner adverbial "beautifully" comes after the verb.
He drives dangerously.
Он опасно водит.
The manner adverbial "dangerously" comes after the verb.
She completed the task carefully.
Она тщательно выполнила задание.
The manner adverbial "carefully" comes after the verb and its object.
They spoke quietly.
Они говорили тихо.
The manner adverbial "quietly" comes after the verb.
He explained the problem clearly.
Он ясно объяснил проблему.
The manner adverbial "clearly" comes after the verb and its object.
Place adverbials commonly occur after the verb or object, especially in basic sentence patterns.
For example, They live in London and She put the keys on the table.
They live in London.
Они живут в Лондоне.
The place adverbial "in London" comes after the verb.
She put the keys on the table.
Она положила ключи на стол.
The place adverbial "on the table" comes after the verb and its object.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
The place adverbial "outside" comes after the verb.
She works at the hospital.
Она работает в больнице.
The place adverbial "at the hospital" comes after the verb.
We met at the station.
Мы встретились на вокзале.
The place adverbial "at the station" comes after the verb.
The book is on the shelf.
Книга на полке.
The place adverbial "on the shelf" comes after the verb.
They walked through the park.
Они шли через парк.
The place adverbial "through the park" comes after the verb.
She sat near the window.
Она сидела у окна.
The place adverbial "near the window" comes after the verb.
Time adverbials can occur at the beginning or end of a clause, with end position common for specific times.
For example, We met yesterday and Yesterday, we met at the station.
We met yesterday.
Мы встретились вчера.
The time adverbial "yesterday" comes at the end of the clause.
Yesterday, we met at the station.
Вчера мы встретились на вокзале.
The time adverbial "Yesterday" is placed at the beginning for emphasis.
He will arrive tomorrow.
Он приедет завтра.
The time adverbial "tomorrow" comes at the end.
They met last week.
Они встретились на прошлой неделе.
The time adverbial "last week" comes at the end.
She works late every day.
Она работает допоздна каждый день.
The time adverbial "every day" comes at the end.
We will meet in an hour.
Мы встретимся через час.
The time adverbial "in an hour" comes at the end.
He has been working since morning.
Он работает с утра.
The time adverbial "since morning" comes at the end.
They stayed until midnight.
Они оставались до полуночи.
The time adverbial "until midnight" comes at the end.
When several adverbials occur at the end of a clause, a common neutral order is manner + place + time.
For example, She worked quietly in the office all day.
She worked quietly in the office all day.
Она тихо работала в офисе весь день.
The adverbials follow the order manner "quietly" + place "in the office" + time "all day".
He sang beautifully at the concert last night.
Он красиво пел на концерте вчера вечером.
Manner "beautifully" + place "at the concert" + time "last night".
They played happily in the park yesterday.
Они счастливо играли в парке вчера.
Manner "happily" + place "in the park" + time "yesterday".
She waited patiently at the station for an hour.
Она терпеливо ждала на вокзале в течение часа.
Manner "patiently" + place "at the station" + time "for an hour".
He spoke calmly in the meeting this morning.
Он спокойно говорил на собрании сегодня утром.
Manner "calmly" + place "in the meeting" + time "this morning".
They worked hard in the garden all afternoon.
Они усердно работали в саду весь день.
Manner "hard" + place "in the garden" + time "all afternoon".
She danced gracefully on the stage last night.
Она изящно танцевала на сцене вчера вечером.
Manner "gracefully" + place "on the stage" + time "last night".
He read the letter carefully in his room yesterday.
Он внимательно прочитал письмо в своей комнате вчера.
Manner "carefully" + place "in his room" + time "yesterday".
Long or information-heavy adverbials can be placed later in the sentence to keep the main clause easier to process.
For example, The committee approved the proposal after a long discussion with representatives from several departments.
The committee approved the proposal after a long discussion with representatives from several departments.
Комитет одобрил предложение после долгого обсуждения с представителями нескольких отделов.
The long adverbial "after a long discussion with representatives from several departments" is placed at the end.
She left the meeting without saying goodbye to anyone in the room.
Она покинула собрание, не попрощавшись ни с кем в комнате.
The long adverbial "without saying goodbye to anyone in the room" is placed at the end.
He explained the theory in a way that was easy to understand for beginners.
Он объяснил теорию так, чтобы новичкам было легко понять.
The long adverbial "in a way that was easy to understand for beginners" is placed at the end.
They arrived at the hotel after a long journey through the mountains.
Они прибыли в отель после долгого путешествия через горы.
The long adverbial "after a long journey through the mountains" is placed at the end.
She spoke to the audience in a calm and confident manner.
Она говорила с аудиторией спокойно и уверенно.
The long adverbial "in a calm and confident manner" is placed at the end.
He finished the project with the help of his colleagues from the research team.
Он завершил проект с помощью коллег из исследовательской группы.
The long adverbial "with the help of his colleagues from the research team" is placed at the end.
They discussed the issue in a meeting that lasted for several hours.
Они обсуждали вопрос на встрече, которая длилась несколько часов.
The long adverbial "in a meeting that lasted for several hours" is placed at the end.
She wrote the report after collecting data from various sources over several months.
Она написала отчёт после сбора данных из различных источников в течение нескольких месяцев.
The long adverbial "after collecting data from various sources over several months" is placed at the end.
In ordinary negative clauses, not occurs after the first auxiliary or before the main verb when do-support is required.
For example, She is not working, She has not finished, and She does not understand.
She is not working.
Она не работает.
The negative word "not" comes after the auxiliary "is" and before the main verb "working".
She has not finished.
Она не закончила.
The negative word "not" comes after the auxiliary "has" and before the main verb "finished".
She does not understand.
Она не понимает.
The negative word "not" comes after the auxiliary "does" and before the main verb "understand".
They are not coming.
Они не придут.
The negative word "not" comes after the auxiliary "are" and before the main verb "coming".
He did not call.
Он не звонил.
The negative word "not" comes after the auxiliary "did" and before the main verb "call".
We cannot go.
Мы не можем идти.
The negative word "not" is contracted with "can" to form "cannot" before the main verb "go".
She will not forget.
Она не забудет.
The negative word "not" comes after the auxiliary "will" and before the main verb "forget".
They have not arrived.
Они не прибыли.
The negative word "not" comes after the auxiliary "have" and before the main verb "arrived".
Many English questions use auxiliary inversion, placing the auxiliary before the subject.
For example, Are you ready? Have they arrived? and Do you understand?
Are you ready?
Ты готов?
The auxiliary "Are" comes before the subject "you".
Have they arrived?
Они прибыли?
The auxiliary "Have" comes before the subject "they".
Do you understand?
Ты понимаешь?
The auxiliary "Do" comes before the subject "you".
Is she working?
Она работает?
The auxiliary "Is" comes before the subject "she".
Can he swim?
Он умеет плавать?
The auxiliary "Can" comes before the subject "he".
Will they come?
Они придут?
The auxiliary "Will" comes before the subject "they".
Did she call?
Она звонила?
The auxiliary "Did" comes before the subject "she".
Are they playing?
Они играют?
The auxiliary "Are" comes before the subject "they".
A wh-question normally begins with the question word, followed by the auxiliary and subject when inversion applies.
For example, Where do you live? and Why did she leave?
Where do you live?
Где ты живёшь?
The wh-word "Where" comes first, followed by the auxiliary "do" and the subject "you".
Why did she leave?
Почему она ушла?
The wh-word "Why" comes first, followed by the auxiliary "did" and the subject "she".
When will they arrive?
Когда они прибудут?
The wh-word "When" comes first, followed by the auxiliary "will" and the subject "they".
What are you doing?
Что ты делаешь?
The wh-word "What" comes first, followed by the auxiliary "are" and the subject "you".
How did he do that?
Как он это сделал?
The wh-word "How" comes first, followed by the auxiliary "did" and the subject "he".
Who is calling?
Кто звонит?
The wh-word "Who" comes first, followed by the auxiliary "is" and the subject "calling".
Which book did you buy?
Какую книгу ты купил?
The wh-word "Which" comes first, followed by the noun "book", the auxiliary "did", and the subject "you".
Whose car is that?
Чья это машина?
The wh-word "Whose" comes first, followed by the noun "car", the verb "is", and the subject "that".
When the question word itself is the subject, auxiliary inversion normally does not occur.
For example, Who called you? and What happened?
Who called you?
Кто тебе звонил?
The question word "Who" is the subject, so no auxiliary inversion occurs.
What happened?
Что случилось?
The question word "What" is the subject, so no auxiliary inversion occurs.
Who knows the answer?
Кто знает ответ?
The question word "Who" is the subject, so no auxiliary inversion occurs.
Which team won?
Какая команда победила?
The question word "Which" is part of the subject "Which team", so no auxiliary inversion occurs.
Who left the door open?
Кто оставил дверь открытой?
The question word "Who" is the subject, so no auxiliary inversion occurs.
What caused the accident?
Что вызвало аварию?
The question word "What" is the subject, so no auxiliary inversion occurs.
Who wants to go first?
Кто хочет пойти первым?
The question word "Who" is the subject, so no auxiliary inversion occurs.
Which student answered correctly?
Какой студент ответил правильно?
The question word "Which" is part of the subject "Which student", so no auxiliary inversion occurs.
When the question word is the object, normal auxiliary inversion usually applies.
For example, Who did you call? and What did she buy?
Who did you call?
Кому ты звонил?
The question word "Who" is the object, so auxiliary inversion occurs with "did" before the subject "you".
What did she buy?
Что она купила?
The question word "What" is the object, so auxiliary inversion occurs with "did" before the subject "she".
Which book did you read?
Какую книгу ты прочитал?
The question word "Which" is part of the object "Which book", so auxiliary inversion occurs with "did" before the subject "you".
Who did they invite?
Кого они пригласили?
The question word "Who" is the object, so auxiliary inversion occurs with "did" before the subject "they".
What did he say?
Что он сказал?
The question word "What" is the object, so auxiliary inversion occurs with "did" before the subject "he".
Whom did you meet?
Кого ты встретил?
The question word "Whom" is the object, so auxiliary inversion occurs with "did" before the subject "you".
What did they discuss?
Что они обсуждали?
The question word "What" is the object, so auxiliary inversion occurs with "did" before the subject "they".
Which film did she watch?
Какой фильм она смотрела?
The question word "Which" is part of the object "Which film", so auxiliary inversion occurs with "did" before the subject "she".
Prepositional phrases can occupy different positions depending on whether they function as complements, modifiers, or adverbials.
For example, She lives in London, the book on the table, and They worked after lunch.
She lives in London.
Она живёт в Лондоне.
The prepositional phrase "in London" functions as an adverbial and comes after the verb.
The book on the table is mine.
Книга на столе моя.
The prepositional phrase "on the table" functions as a modifier and comes after the noun "book".
They worked after lunch.
Они работали после обеда.
The prepositional phrase "after lunch" functions as an adverbial and comes after the verb.
The man with the hat is my uncle.
Мужчина в шляпе мой дядя.
The prepositional phrase "with the hat" functions as a modifier and comes after the noun "man".
She put the keys on the table.
Она положила ключи на стол.
The prepositional phrase "on the table" functions as a complement required by "put" and comes after the object.
The children are playing in the garden.
Дети играют в саду.
The prepositional phrase "in the garden" functions as an adverbial and comes after the verb.
I saw the woman in the red dress.
Я видел женщину в красном платье.
The prepositional phrase "in the red dress" functions as a modifier and comes after the noun "woman".
They arrived at the station at noon.
Они прибыли на вокзал в полдень.
The prepositional phrase "at the station" is an adverbial of place; "at noon" is an adverbial of time.
Adverbs such as very, quite, extremely, and almost normally occur close to the word or phrase they modify.
For example, very difficult, almost finished, and completely wrong.
very difficult
очень трудный
The degree adverb "very" comes before the adjective "difficult".
almost finished
почти законченный
The degree adverb "almost" comes before the adjective "finished".
completely wrong
совершенно неправильный
The degree adverb "completely" comes before the adjective "wrong".
quite interesting
довольно интересный
The degree adverb "quite" comes before the adjective "interesting".
extremely happy
чрезвычайно счастливый
The degree adverb "extremely" comes before the adjective "happy".
almost never
почти никогда
The degree adverb "almost" comes before the frequency adverb "never".
very quickly
очень быстро
The degree adverb "very" comes before the adverb "quickly".
quite well
довольно хорошо
The degree adverb "quite" comes before the adverb "well".
The position of only can affect which part of the sentence it modifies and therefore can affect the intended meaning.
For example, Only John saw Mary differs in meaning from John only saw Mary.
Only John saw Mary.
Только Джон видел Мэри.
The word "only" modifies "John", meaning no one else saw Mary.
John only saw Mary.
Джон только видел Мэри.
The word "only" modifies the verb "saw", meaning John did nothing else with Mary.
John saw only Mary.
Джон видел только Мэри.
The word "only" modifies "Mary", meaning he saw no one else.
Only she understood the question.
Только она поняла вопрос.
The word "only" modifies "she", meaning no one else understood.
She only understood the question.
Она только поняла вопрос.
The word "only" modifies the verb "understood", meaning she did nothing else with the question.
She understood only the question.
Она поняла только вопрос.
The word "only" modifies "the question", meaning she understood nothing else.
Only in London did I feel at home.
Только в Лондоне я чувствовал себя как дома.
The word "only" modifies "in London", and inversion occurs after the fronted adverbial.
I only spoke to John.
Я только поговорил с Джоном.
The word "only" modifies the verb "spoke", meaning I did nothing else with John.
Even normally occurs close to the element that is being emphasized as unexpected or surprising.
For example, Even John understood the question and John even understood the question highlight different parts of the sentence.
Even John understood the question.
Даже Джон понял вопрос.
The word "even" modifies "John", highlighting that John, surprisingly, understood.
John even understood the question.
Джон даже понял вопрос.
The word "even" modifies the verb "understood", highlighting that understanding was surprising.
John understood even the question.
Джон понял даже вопрос.
The word "even" modifies "the question", highlighting that the question was surprisingly understood.
Even she was surprised.
Даже она была удивлена.
The word "even" modifies "she", highlighting that she, surprisingly, was surprised.
She even forgot my name.
Она даже забыла моё имя.
The word "even" modifies the verb "forgot", highlighting the surprising action.
She forgot even my name.
Она забыла даже моё имя.
The word "even" modifies "my name", highlighting that this specific detail was forgotten.
Even in winter, he swims outside.
Даже зимой он плавает на улице.
The word "even" modifies "in winter", highlighting the surprising circumstance.
He swims outside even in winter.
Он плавает на улице даже зимой.
The word "even" modifies "in winter", highlighting the surprising circumstance at the end.
Adverbials can be moved to the beginning of a sentence for organization, contrast, or emphasis.
For example, Yesterday, we visited the museum and In London, many people use public transport.
Yesterday, we visited the museum.
Вчера мы посетили музей.
The time adverbial "Yesterday" is fronted for emphasis and organization.
In London, many people use public transport.
В Лондоне многие люди пользуются общественным транспортом.
The place adverbial "In London" is fronted for emphasis.
After lunch, we went for a walk.
После обеда мы пошли гулять.
The time adverbial "After lunch" is fronted for organization.
Quickly, she finished her work.
Быстро она закончила свою работу.
The manner adverbial "Quickly" is fronted for emphasis.
On the table, there was a book.
На столе была книга.
The place adverbial "On the table" is fronted for emphasis.
Because he was tired, he left early.
Поскольку он устал, он ушёл рано.
The reason adverbial "Because he was tired" is fronted for emphasis.
In the morning, I usually go for a run.
Утром я обычно хожу на пробежку.
The time adverbial "In the morning" is fronted for organization.
With great care, he opened the box.
С большой осторожностью он открыл коробку.
The manner adverbial "With great care" is fronted for emphasis.
Long or complex constituents often occur toward the end of the sentence, especially when a shorter element can be placed earlier.
For example, It was difficult to understand the explanation is often more natural than To understand the explanation was difficult.
It was difficult to understand the explanation.
Было трудно понять объяснение.
The long infinitive phrase "to understand the explanation" is placed at the end for end weight.
To understand the explanation was difficult.
Понять объяснение было трудно.
The long infinitive phrase "To understand the explanation" is placed at the beginning, which is less natural.
She found it hard to accept the decision.
Ей было трудно принять решение.
The long infinitive phrase "to accept the decision" is placed at the end for end weight.
It is important to check the results carefully.
Важно тщательно проверить результаты.
The long infinitive phrase "to check the results carefully" is placed at the end for end weight.
He made it clear that he would not change his mind.
Он ясно дал понять, что не изменит своего решения.
The long clause "that he would not change his mind" is placed at the end for end weight.
They considered it necessary to inform everyone.
Они сочли необходимым сообщить всем.
The long infinitive phrase "to inform everyone" is placed at the end for end weight.
It seems unlikely that they will arrive on time.
Кажется маловероятным, что они прибудут вовремя.
The long clause "that they will arrive on time" is placed at the end for end weight.
She made it obvious that she was unhappy.
Она дала ясно понять, что несчастна.
The long clause "that she was unhappy" is placed at the end for end weight.
New or especially important information is often placed toward the end of a clause.
For example, She bought a new laptop yesterday, with the new information occurring near the end.
She bought a new laptop yesterday.
Вчера она купила новый ноутбук.
The new information "a new laptop" is placed near the end for focus.
Yesterday, she bought a new laptop.
Вчера она купила новый ноутбук.
The time adverbial "Yesterday" is fronted, and the new information "a new laptop" receives end focus.
He gave the book to Mary.
Он отдал книгу Мэри.
The new information "Mary" is placed at the end for focus.
He gave Mary the book.
Он отдал Мэри книгу.
The new information "the book" is placed at the end for focus.
The problem is that we don't have enough time.
Проблема в том, что у нас недостаточно времени.
The new information "that we don't have enough time" is placed at the end for focus.
What I need is more time.
Что мне нужно, так это больше времени.
The new information "more time" is placed at the end for focus.
It was John who broke the window.
Именно Джон разбил окно.
The new information "John" is placed in the cleft for focus.
The one who called was Mary.
Та, кто звонила, была Мэри.
The new information "Mary" is placed at the end for focus.
The position of an object with a phrasal verb depends on whether the particle can be separated and on the form of the object.
For example, turn off the light and turn the light off are both possible, but turn it off is required rather than turn off it.
Turn off the light.
Выключи свет.
The noun object "the light" can come after the particle "off".
Turn the light off.
Выключи свет.
The noun object "the light" can come before the particle "off".
Turn it off.
Выключи это.
The pronoun object "it" must come before the particle "off".
Pick up the book.
Подними книгу.
The noun object "the book" can come after the particle "up".
Pick the book up.
Подними книгу.
The noun object "the book" can come before the particle "up".
Pick it up.
Подними это.
The pronoun object "it" must come before the particle "up".
She turned the TV on.
Она включила телевизор.
The noun object "the TV" can come before the particle "on".
She turned on the TV.
Она включила телевизор.
The noun object "the TV" can come after the particle "on".
With many separable phrasal verbs, a noun object can occur before or after the particle, while a pronoun object normally occurs before the particle.
For example, pick up the book, pick the book up, but pick it up.
pick up the book
подними книгу
The noun object "the book" comes after the particle "up".
pick the book up
подними книгу
The noun object "the book" comes before the particle "up".
pick it up
подними это
The pronoun object "it" must come before the particle "up".
turn off the light
выключи свет
The noun object "the light" comes after the particle "off".
turn the light off
выключи свет
The noun object "the light" comes before the particle "off".
turn it off
выключи это
The pronoun object "it" must come before the particle "off".
write down the address
запиши адрес
The noun object "the address" comes after the particle "down".
write the address down
запиши адрес
The noun object "the address" comes before the particle "down".
Reflexive and reciprocal pronouns normally occur in positions determined by the verb pattern and their grammatical role.
For example, They introduced themselves and We talked to each other.
They introduced themselves.
Они представились.
The reflexive pronoun "themselves" is the object of the verb "introduced".
We talked to each other.
Мы разговаривали друг с другом.
The reciprocal pronoun "each other" is the object of the preposition "to".
She hurt herself.
Она поранилась.
The reflexive pronoun "herself" is the object of the verb "hurt".
They helped each other.
Они помогли друг другу.
The reciprocal pronoun "each other" is the object of the verb "helped".
He blamed himself.
Он винил себя.
The reflexive pronoun "himself" is the object of the verb "blamed".
We see each other every day.
Мы видимся каждый день.
The reciprocal pronoun "each other" is the object of the verb "see".
She looked at herself in the mirror.
Она посмотрела на себя в зеркало.
The reflexive pronoun "herself" is the object of the preposition "at".
They wrote to each other.
Они писали друг другу.
The reciprocal pronoun "each other" is the object of the preposition "to".
A recipient can occur directly after certain verbs or after a preposition depending on the verb pattern.
Compare She gave me the book with She gave the book to me.
She gave me the book.
Она дала мне книгу.
The indirect object "me" comes directly after the verb "gave".
She gave the book to me.
Она дала книгу мне.
The recipient appears after the preposition "to" as "to me".
They sent John an email.
Они отправили Джону электронное письмо.
The indirect object "John" comes directly after the verb "sent".
They sent an email to John.
Они отправили электронное письмо Джону.
The recipient appears after the preposition "to" as "to John".
She bought her son a bicycle.
Она купила своему сыну велосипед.
The beneficiary "her son" comes directly after the verb "bought".
She bought a bicycle for her son.
Она купила велосипед для своего сына.
The beneficiary appears after the preposition "for" as "for her son".
He told us a story.
Он рассказал нам историю.
The indirect object "us" comes directly after the verb "told".
He told a story to us.
Он рассказал историю нам.
The recipient appears after the preposition "to" as "to us".
English may permit more than one word order, but some alternatives are more natural because of information structure, length, emphasis, or register.
Grammatical possibility does not always mean that the alternative is the normal choice in everyday English.
She bought a new laptop yesterday.
Вчера она купила новый ноутбук.
The order "bought a new laptop yesterday" is natural; the time adverbial comes at the end.
Yesterday, she bought a new laptop.
Вчера она купила новый ноутбук.
Fronting "Yesterday" is also possible and emphasizes the time.
She gave the book to Mary.
Она отдала книгу Мэри.
The order "gave the book to Mary" is natural; the recipient comes after the object and preposition.
She gave Mary the book.
Она отдала Мэри книгу.
The order "gave Mary the book" is also possible; the recipient comes directly after the verb.
He carefully opened the box.
Он осторожно открыл коробку.
The manner adverb "carefully" comes before the verb, which is natural.
He opened the box carefully.
Он открыл коробку осторожно.
The manner adverb "carefully" comes after the object, which is also natural.
The committee approved the proposal after a long discussion.
Комитет одобрил предложение после долгого обсуждения.
The long adverbial "after a long discussion" comes at the end, which is natural for end weight.
After a long discussion, the committee approved the proposal.
После долгого обсуждения комитет одобрил предложение.
Fronting the long adverbial is possible but less common; it emphasizes the discussion.
Changing the position of an adverb or other modifier can change which element it modifies and therefore change the meaning.
For example, She only spoke to John differs from She spoke only to John in the scope of only.
She only spoke to John.
Она только поговорила с Джоном.
The word "only" modifies the verb "spoke", meaning she did nothing else with John.
She spoke only to John.
Она говорила только с Джоном.
The word "only" modifies "to John", meaning she spoke to no one else.
Even John understood the question.
Даже Джон понял вопрос.
The word "even" modifies "John", highlighting that John, surprisingly, understood.
John even understood the question.
Джон даже понял вопрос.
The word "even" modifies the verb "understood", highlighting that understanding was surprising.
Only she understood the question.
Только она поняла вопрос.
The word "only" modifies "she", meaning no one else understood.
She only understood the question.
Она только поняла вопрос.
The word "only" modifies the verb "understood", meaning she did nothing else with the question.
She understood only the question.
Она поняла только вопрос.
The word "only" modifies "the question", meaning she understood nothing else.
I only spoke to John.
Я только поговорил с Джоном.
The word "only" modifies the verb "spoke", meaning I did nothing else with John.
Use standard English word order unless a particular construction or information-structure choice licenses a different arrangement.
Common mistakes include placing adverbs incorrectly, using question inversion in statements, confusing subject and object questions, misordering adverbials, and separating phrasal-verb particles incorrectly.
She often works late.
Она часто работает допоздна.
Correct: the frequency adverb "often" comes before the main verb.
Are you ready?
Ты готов?
Correct: question inversion places the auxiliary "Are" before the subject "you".
Who called you?
Кто тебе звонил?
Correct: subject question without inversion because "Who" is the subject.
Who did you call?
Кому ты звонил?
Correct: object question with inversion because "Who" is the object.
She put the keys on the table.
Она положила ключи на стол.
Correct: the place expression "on the table" follows the object as required by "put".
Turn it off.
Выключи это.
Correct: the pronoun object "it" comes before the particle "off".
She is often tired.
Она часто устаёт.
Correct: the frequency adverb "often" comes after the verb "is".
They bought a new car yesterday.
Они вчера купили новую машину.
Correct: the time adverbial "yesterday" comes at the end.