Importance of Word Order in IELTS

 

Word order refers to writing the sequence of words correctly in a sentence. Incorrect order of words can change the meaning of a sentence and hence should be used appropriately. This is important from IELTS point of view since students often make mistakes in word order while speaking or writing. Some students make these mistakes because they do not consider it important enough.
Most common word order in a sentence is as follows:

1. Subject + Verb + Object (SVO)

For example,
Greg completes his work.

Greg (S) + completes (V) + his + work (O).

Common error in IELTS speaking:

Yes, cricket I play definitely and enjoy a lot.

Correct:

Yes, I play cricket definitely and enjoy a lot.

2. Adverbs of frequency

Adverbs that determine frequency of an action are called adverbs frequency. Adverbs of frequency are usually placed before a verb but can also be placed after a verb or in between two verbs.

Examples: Often, Never, Always, Rarely, Occasionally, Sometimes, every time etc.
For example,
a. Before verb:

Sandy often goes to temple.
b. After verb (to be):

She is never late for school.
c. Between two verbs:

I will always remember you

Example of common error in IELTS writing and speaking:

People often frequently visit different places for travelling.

Correct:

People often visit different places for travelling.
People frequently visit different places for travelling.

3. Comment Adverbs

Comment adverbs include hopefully, obviously, remarkably etc.
For example,
Hopefully, I will clear my exam this time.

Incorrect: I hopefully will clear my exam this time.
Example of common error in IELTS writing and speaking:

Overall, visiting this restaurant was the best remarkably .

Correct:

Overall, visiting this restaurant was remarkably the best. 

4. Focus Adverbs

Focus adverbs are adverbs that draw focus towards specific information in a sentence.

Examples: Just, even, only etc.
She can even play badminton. (This is surprising)

Even she can play badminton. (Badminton is easy)
Example of common error in IELTS writing and speaking:

People do not try to utilize the natural resources even wisely.

Correct:

People do not even try to utilize the natural resources wisely.

5. Adverbs of manner

Examples: Slowly, carefully, quietly etc.
For example,
I played football quite well

Incorrect – I played quite well football.
Example of common error in IELTS writing:

The consumption of food decreased from the year 2000 to 2004 slowly.

Correct:

The consumption of food slowly decreased from the year 2000 to 2004.

6. Place & Time

Place is positioned usually after time.

Mariya has been living in Britain for 5 years.

Incorrect: Mariya has been living for 5 years in Britain
Example of common error in IELTS speaking:

I have been for 5 years working in a manufacturing company.

Correct:

I have been working in a manufacturing company for 5 years. 

Exercise:

Now you can try to correct the following sentences:

1. Really he is an amazing person.
2. He earns money enough to meet his needs.
3. Always he has been working hard.
4. After coming to the UK, my English quickly improved well.
5. We want to spend holidays every year in the same resort.
6. Michael has started just to work hard.
7. I passed very well my exam last year.
8. Some garments are quite in the mall cheaper than others.
9. She always often visits this place.
10. I usually am able to complete all tasks before time.

Answers:

1. He is really an amazing person.
2. He earns enough money to meet his needs.
3. He has always been working hard.
4. After coming to the UK, my English improved well quickly.
5. Every year, we want to spend holidays in the same resort.
6. Michael has just started to work hard.
7. Last year, I passed my exam very well.
8. Some garments in the mall are cheaper than others.
9. She always visits this place.
10. I am usually able to complete all tasks before time.