Word order in Spanish and English

Syntax -word order or sentence structure- is the part of grammar that coordinates, unites and finds the proper position of words to form understandable sentences.

If words are placed in the wrong position, confusion and ambiguity will result. Syntax is ruled by common sense and good judgment.

Spanish has much freedom with its word order, and one sentence can be arranged in different ways and still keep its meaning:

El tren sale a las cuatro

A las cuatro sale el tren

A las cuatro el tren sale

Sale el tren a las cuatro

El tren a las cuatro sale

… result in one sentence in English that makes sense and is correct: The train leaves at four.

English syntax is more rigid and has fewer possibilities.