Build a Sentence Task: Quick Tips for Perfect Scores
The Build a Sentence task may seem simple, but English word order can be tricky. One misplaced word means zero points. Master these patterns and strategies to arrange words correctly every time on the TOEFL 2026. This is the first of three tasks in the new format - see our complete templates guide for all three. (See the visual summary infographic at the end for a quick reference.)
Watch: English Word Order Mastery
Learn how to arrange words in the correct order to form grammatically correct sentences
In This Guide
What is Build a Sentence?
Build a Sentence is a new task type exclusive to the TOEFL 2026 format. You'll see a context sentence and a question, then receive 6-8 scrambled words to arrange into a grammatically correct answer. According to the official ETS content structure, mastering word order is critical for success.
Task Format
1. Context Sentence
"What was the highlight of your trip?"
2. Scrambled Words
3. Your Answer
"The tour guides who showed us around the old city were fantastic."
Important: No Partial Credit!
Each Build a Sentence item is scored correct or incorrect—there's no partial credit. If even one word is in the wrong position, you get zero points. But when you get it right, you get full credit. Accuracy is everything.
The 4-Step Strategy for Build a Sentence
Follow this systematic approach for every item. With practice, it becomes automatic.
Find the Subject
Look for nouns or noun phrases that could be the "doer" of the sentence. Common subjects include: the tour guides, students, I,the problem. The subject usually comes first.
Identify the Main Verb
Find the verb that goes with your subject. Check agreement: plural subject needs plural verb (guides were), singular subject needs singular verb (guide was). The verb comes right after the subject (unless there's a relative clause).
Look for Relative Clauses
Words like who, which, that signal a relative clause. This clause goes right after the noun it describes. Example: "tour guides who showed us around."
Place Modifiers & Complements
Add remaining pieces: prepositional phrases (in the old city), adjectives (fantastic), and adverbs. Adjectives go before nouns or after linking verbs. Prepositional phrases usually go at the end.
Step-by-step word order mastery: identify subject → find verb → spot relative clauses → place modifiers
Strategy in Action
Step 1: Subject
The tour guides ...
Step 2: (Wait - there's a relative clause!)
The tour guides who showed us around the old city ...
Step 3: Main Verb (plural subject = "were")
The tour guides who showed us around the old city were ...
Step 4: Complement (adjective after "were")
The tour guides who showed us around the old city were fantastic.
Essential English Word Order Patterns
Master these patterns and you'll know where every word belongs. As explained in resources like BoldVoice's word order guide and StudySmarter's syntax explanations, English is an SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) language with consistent modifier placement rules. Understanding English sentence structure is fundamental to the Build a Sentence task.
Pattern 1: Basic SVO
Subject + Verb + Object/ComplementStudents need support.
The tour guides were fantastic.
I like your magazine.
Pattern 2: Relative Clauses (who/which/that)
Noun + who/which/that + verb phrase + main verbThe guides who showed us around were helpful.
The problem that I experienced was frustrating.
The magazine which features poetry is new.
Pattern 3: Adjective Placement
Before noun: The fantastic guidesAfter linking verb: The guides were fantasticThe old city was beautiful.
The city was old and beautiful.
Pattern 4: Adverb Placement
Frequency adverbs: Subject + adverb + verbManner adverbs: Verb + object + adverbStudents always need support. (frequency)
She explained the problem clearly. (manner)
I really like your magazine. (degree)
Pattern 5: Prepositional Phrases
Usually at the end: Subject + verb + object + prep phraseThey showed us around the old city.
I had a problem with the form.
The concert starts at 8 PM.
Practice Examples
Try these examples to test your understanding. Think about the structure before revealing the answer.
Example 1
Context: "How do you feel about your new job?"
Reveal Answer
"I really enjoy the challenging work."
Structure: Subject (I) + adverb (really) + verb (enjoy) + object (the challenging work)
Example 2
Context: "What did you think of the restaurant?"
Reveal Answer
"The food that we ordered was delicious."
Structure: Subject (the food) + relative clause (that we ordered) + verb (was) + complement (delicious)
Example 3
Context: "What makes this university special?"
Reveal Answer
"It always provides research opportunities for students."
Structure: Subject (It) + adverb (always) + verb (provides) + object (research opportunities) + prep phrase (for students)
Example 4
Context: "How was your experience with the customer service?"
Reveal Answer
"The representative who assisted me was very helpful."
Structure: Subject (the representative) + relative clause (who assisted me) + verb (was) + adverb + complement (very helpful)
Tricky Structures to Watch
These patterns often trip up test-takers. Watch out for them!
Watch Out: Subject-Verb Agreement with Relative Clauses
Wrong
"The guides who showed us around was fantastic."
Correct
"The guides who showed us around were fantastic."
Tip: The main verb agrees with the main subject (guides = were), not the relative clause subject.
Watch Out: "Very" Placement
Wrong
"I very much like your magazine."
Correct
"I like your magazine very much."
Tip: "Very much" goes after the object, not between subject and verb.
Watch Out: Frequency Adverb Position
Wrong
"Always students need support."
Correct
"Students always need support."
Tip: Always, often, never, usually go AFTER the subject and BEFORE the main verb.
Watch Out: Multiple Modifiers Before Nouns
Tricky
"The old city tour guides"
Correct
"The tour guides in the old city"
Tip: When modifiers are complex, use a prepositional phrase after the noun.
Deepen Your Understanding
To develop a stronger foundation in English word order and sentence structure, explore these authoritative resources:
Quick Tips for Test Day
Don't rush
1 minute per item is enough. Think before clicking.
Find the subject first
Every sentence starts with who/what is doing something.
Check agreement
Plural subjects need plural verbs. Match them.
Watch for 'who/which/that'
These signal relative clauses that go right after nouns.
Read the context
The context question tells you the expected answer type.
Say it in your head
Does it sound natural? If not, something's wrong.
Look for extra words
Sometimes there's a distractor word you don't need.
Move on if stuck
Don't spend 3 minutes on one item. Skip and return.
Time Management
Visual Summary: Build a Sentence Task at a Glance
Save or bookmark this infographic for quick reference when practicing. It summarizes all the key strategies, grammar patterns, and tips covered in this guide.
Practice Build a Sentence Now
Try our AI-powered TOEFL 2026 practice with instant feedback on all task types.
Start PracticeReferences & Further Reading
- 2026 TOEFL Format Revealed — TOEFL Resources Blog (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Test Content and Structure — ETS Official Website (Accessed: December 2025)
- Word Order in English — BoldVoice English Learning (Accessed: December 2025)
- English Syntax: Subject-Verb-Object Explained — StudySmarter English Explanations (Accessed: December 2025)
- English Sentence Structure Guide — Oxford Online English (Accessed: December 2025)
- TOEFL iBT Writing Section Updates 2026 — ETS TOEFL Preparation (Accessed: December 2025)
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