The Logic of Word Order
Why do some languages put the verb here and the noun there?
Sentence structure is like a map that tells you how to navigate a conversation.
While English, Danish, and Portuguese often follow similar patterns, there are small "detours" that can change everything.
Understanding the logic behind word order will help you build sentences more naturally.
Let’s compare the maps!
The SVO Pattern
Most Western languages use the Subject-Verb-Object pattern.
This is the foundation for English, Portuguese, and Danish.
However, Danish has a special rule called "V2" where the verb must always be the second element in a main sentence.
Let's see how a simple sentence looks in all three!
Pro Tip: In Danish, if you start a sentence with "Today," the verb comes immediately after!
Building the Sentence
Sentence: "I am eating an apple."
| Language | The Map | The Result |
|---|---|---|
| English | Subject + Verb + Object | I eat an apple. |
| Portuguese | Subject + Verb + Object | Eu como uma maçã. |
| Danish | Subject + Verb + Object | Jeg spiser et æble. |
The Main Differences
- The "Today" Rule: In English and Portuguese, you say "Today I eat."
In Danish, you MUST say "Today eat I" (I dag spiser jeg). - Question Order: All three languages use "Inversion" to ask questions.
(Example: "Eat you?" / Spiser du? / Você come?). - Adjective Placement: Portuguese often puts the adjective AFTER the noun (Carro azul).
English and Danish put it BEFORE (Blue car / Blå bil).
Time to Practice! ✍
1. Translate the Order: How would you say "The red house" in Portuguese?
(Remember the adjective rule!)
2. The Danish Challenge: Start a sentence with "Now" (Nu).
Where does the verb go?
🚀 A Quick Challenge
Try to write one sentence in your target language following the Subject-Verb-Object rule.
Then, try to turn it into a question!
Example: "You speak English." → "Do you speak English?"
Master the map, and you'll never get lost!
Keep building those sentences.
Start practicing today!
