Sentence Structure

Basic Word Order in English

English follows a Subject–Verb–Object (SVO) word order. Unlike Norwegian, English has stricter rules about where elements must be placed in a sentence.

• Subject – who or what performs the action
• Verb – the action or state
• Object – who or what receives the action

Example: The students (S) completed (V) the assignment (O).

Types of Sentences

Simple Sentences

Contain one independent clause with a subject and verb.

She studies every evening.

Compound Sentences

Join two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

He wanted to stay, but she needed to leave.

Complex Sentences

Combine an independent clause with one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses.

Although it was raining, they decided to walk.

Compound-Complex Sentences

Contain at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause.

While the teacher explained the task, some students took notes, and others asked questions.

Clauses

Independent Clauses

Can stand alone as a complete sentence. They have a subject and a verb and express a complete thought.

Dependent Clauses

Cannot stand alone. They begin with subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when, if, while, since) or relative pronouns (who, which, that).

Common Conjunctions

Coordinating (FANBOYS)

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so – used to join equal parts of a sentence.

Subordinating

because, although, while, if, when, since, unless, until, after, before – introduce dependent clauses.

Correlative

both...and, either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also – used in pairs.

Improving Sentence Variety

Good writing uses a mix of sentence types and lengths. Too many short sentences sound choppy; too many long ones become confusing. Strategies include:

• Starting sentences with different elements (adverb, prepositional phrase, dependent clause)
• Combining short sentences using conjunctions or relative clauses
• Using a short sentence after several long ones for emphasis
• Varying active and passive voice appropriately

Common Word Order Errors

• Adverb placement: ✗ "I always have liked English" → ✓ "I have always liked English"
• Inversion after negative adverbs: "Never have I seen such a view."
• Adjective order: opinion–size–age–shape–colour–origin–material–purpose (a beautiful small old round red Italian wooden serving bowl)

Academic Deep-Dive

To write at a high academic level, move from description to analysis. That means you should explain why an example matters, how it connects to the theme, and what broader consequences it may have for individuals, communities, or policy.

Worked example paragraph model

Point: State your main claim clearly. Evidence: Add a concrete real-world case, text reference, statistic, or historical detail. Analysis: Explain significance and evaluate implications. Link: Connect directly back to the task question.

Stronger academic language

• Cause and effect: therefore, consequently, as a result
• Contrast: however, nevertheless, in contrast, whereas
• Evaluation: this suggests, this indicates, this can be interpreted as
• Nuance: to some extent, in many contexts, from a long-term perspective

Reflective practice questions

1. Which argument in this topic is strongest, and why?
2. What is a valid counterargument, and how would you respond?
3. How can this topic be connected to one current event?
4. Which academic phrases can you reuse in your own writing?