Basic Word Order (Continuous, Past and Perfect Tenses)
When the verb has two parts (an auxiliary + the main verb), the two parts stay together. The object comes after the whole verb, never between the auxiliary and the main verb.
Subject + Auxiliary + Main Verb + Object
Present Perfect
have/has + past participle.
- I have finished my homework. — not I have my homework finished.
- They have bought a new car.
Continuous Tenses
am/is/are or was/were + verb-ing.
- She is reading a book. — not She is a book reading.
- They were cleaning the kitchen.
Negatives
Put not (n't) with the auxiliary. The main verb and object keep their place.
- He hasn't seen the film.
- We aren't watching TV.
- I wasn't listening to music.
Past Simple Negative
Use didn't + base form. The object stays after the verb.
- We didn't see the accident. — not We didn't the accident see.
Quick Reference
- Present perfect: have/has + participle
I have lost my keys. - Continuous: be + verb-ing
He was writing a letter. - Negative: not goes with the auxiliary
You haven't met her.
