Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Move time or place phrases to the start of a sentence to emphasize the context or improve narrative flow.
- Place the phrase at the very beginning: 'In London, it rains often.'
- Use a comma after long phrases (4+ words) to help the reader breathe.
- Keep the subject and verb in their normal order after the phrase.
Overview
I will meet my client at the station tomorrow. という文では、at the station（場所）や tomorrow（時）といった情報は、通常、文の最後に置かれます。- 「日本では、お花見は春の重要な行事です。」
- 「会社では、常に敬語を使わなければなりません。」
In Japan, cherry blossom viewing is an important spring event.At the office, you must always use polite language.
[時・場所のフレーズ] + , + [主語] + [動詞] + [目的語/補語]I have a deadline tomorrow. | Tomorrow, I have a deadline. | 「明日」という期限を強調している。 |We will discuss this in the meeting. | In the meeting, we will discuss this. | 「会議の場」という設定を先に示している。 |I found a great cafe near the office. | Near the office, I found a great cafe. | 「オフィスの近く」という場所を際立たせている。 |- 1長いフレーズの場合： 4語以上の長い句や、節（主語＋動詞を含む塊）が文頭に来る場合は、必ずカンマを打ちます。
After the long and exhausting business trip, I took a day off.
- 1誤読を防ぐ場合： カンマがないと、どこまでが前置きでどこからが主語なのか分からなくなることがあります。
Before eating the dog barked.(犬を食べる前に…？と一瞬誤解される)Before eating, the dog barked.(食べる前に、犬が吠えた。)
- 1短いフレーズの場合：
TodayやNowなどの短い単語1つの場合は、カンマを省略することもありますが、B1レベルの皆さんは、「文頭に出したらカンマを打つ」という習慣をつけておくと間違いがありません。
In a small town in Hokkaido, there lived a famous woodcarver.During the Edo period, Japan had a policy of national isolation.
Yesterday, the stock market was stable. However, today, it is very volatile.In the Tokyo office, we use Slack. In the Osaka branch, we use Microsoft Teams.
We completed the first phase of the project. In the next phase, we will focus on marketing.
At 9:00 AM, we will have an orientation.At 10:30 AM, the workshop will begin.Finally, at 5:00 PM, we will have a networking dinner.
- Bad:
Next week we will visit the factory. - Good:
Next week, we will visit the factory.
be動詞や stand, sit など）を除き、通常の文では SVO の順序は崩しません。- Bad:
In the park are many people.(詩的な表現としてはあり得ますが、一般的ではありません) - Good:
In the park, many people are relaxing. - Note:
Here comes the bus!のような慣用句は例外ですが、基本は[Place], [S] + [V]です。
I や We を省略することはできません。- Bad:
At the station, met my friend. - Good:
At the station, I met my friend.
I will finish the report by Friday. | 最も一般的でニュートラル。by Friday が「新情報」として強調される。 |By Friday, I will finish the report. | 「金曜日までには」という期限を強調。文のテーマを設定している。 |I will, by Friday, finish the report. | 非常に強調したい場合や、挿入句として使う。少し硬い響きになる。 |always, usually, often）は、通常、文頭ではなく「動詞の直前」に置かれます。- Natural:
I always drink coffee in the morning. - Unnatural:
Always, I drink coffee in the morning.(非常に不自然です)
Sometimes や Usually は文頭に置くことが可能です。このあたりの使い分けが、中級レベルの腕の見せ所です。I'm going to London tomorrow. と言うと tomorrow が一番耳に残ります。一方、Tomorrow, I'm going to London. と言うと、まず「明日」という設定を共有し、メインの「ロンドンに行く」という行動を強調することになります。Regarding the project, in the next meeting, we should discuss... のように、トピックを先に提示すると、読み手は内容を整理しやすくなります。Tomorrow, at the office, we will have a party. のように「時、場所」の順が一般的ですが、どちらか一方を文末に残す方が、英語らしいバランスの良い文になります。Today, ... や At the office, ... と書き出すことから始めてみましょう。頑張りましょう！Sentence Structure Comparison
| Type | Fronted Phrase | Comma | Subject | Verb | Rest of Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard
|
-
|
-
|
We
|
met
|
at the cafe yesterday.
|
|
Fronted Time
|
Yesterday
|
(optional)
|
we
|
met
|
at the cafe.
|
|
Fronted Place
|
At the cafe
|
,
|
we
|
met
|
yesterday.
|
|
Long Phrase
|
In the corner of the cafe
|
,
|
we
|
met
|
yesterday.
|
Meanings
The practice of moving adverbial phrases that describe time or location from their standard position at the end of a sentence to the beginning for stylistic emphasis.
Setting the Scene
Used at the start of a story or paragraph to establish the environment or timeframe immediately.
“In a small village near the coast, everyone knew each other's business.”
“During the summer of 1999, we spent every day at the lake.”
Contrast and Transition
Used to signal a shift from one time or place to another, helping the listener follow a sequence of events.
“In the morning, we hike; in the afternoon, we swim.”
“On Monday, the office was closed, but on Tuesday, it was packed.”
Formal Emphasis
Used in academic or professional writing to highlight the specific conditions under which something occurs.
“In this report, we examine the impact of climate change.”
“At the end of the fiscal year, bonuses will be distributed.”
Reference Table
| 元の文（時間） | 文頭に移動（時間） | 元の文（場所） | 文頭に移動（場所） |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I'll meet you after class.
|
After class, I'll meet you.
|
They studied in the library.
|
In the library, they studied.
|
|
She works on weekends.
|
On weekends, she works.
|
We found it under the couch.
|
Under the couch, we found it.
|
|
He wakes up before dawn.
|
Before dawn, he wakes up.
|
The cat slept on the mat.
|
On the mat, the cat slept.
|
|
They travelled during the holidays.
|
During the holidays, they travelled.
|
You left your keys on the table.
|
On the table, you left your keys.
|
|
I'll call you in an hour.
|
In an hour, I'll call you.
|
The meeting is in Room 301.
|
In Room 301, the meeting is.
|
|
We saw him last night.
|
Last night, we saw him.
|
They play football in the park.
|
In the park, they play football.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
At 20:00 hours, the meeting shall commence. (Scheduling)
At 8:00, I'll see you there. (Scheduling)
At 8, see ya. (Scheduling)
8 o'clock, I'm there. (Scheduling)
レベル別の例文
Today, I go to the park.
Now, we eat dinner.
In the morning, I drink coffee.
At night, I sleep.
In my room, I have a big bed.
On Saturdays, we usually go shopping.
Under the table, the cat is sleeping.
After school, I play football with friends.
During the long winter months, many animals hibernate.
At the very top of the mountain, the air is very thin.
In the middle of the meeting, my phone started ringing.
For the first time in years, I felt truly relaxed.
Throughout the nineteenth century, the city underwent massive expansion.
Deep within the rainforest, scientists discovered a new species of frog.
On the other side of the valley, a storm was brewing.
In response to the crisis, the government implemented new laws.
Scattered across the floor were remnants of the previous night's celebration.
In stark contrast to his predecessor, the new CEO favors a decentralized approach.
Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the merger offers strategic advantages.
Within the confines of this study, we found no significant correlation.
Nowhere in the annals of history can one find a more egregious error.
High above the jagged peaks of the Himalayas soared a solitary eagle.
To the east of the ancient ruins lies a desert that stretches for miles.
In the heat of the moment, decisions are often made without due consideration.
間違えやすい
Learners think moving ANY word to the front requires swapping the subject and verb.
Learners forget the 'it' when fronting a place for weather.
Learners sometimes use a comma to join two full sentences instead of just a phrase.
よくある間違い
In the morning I drink coffee.
In the morning, I drink coffee.
Today go I to school.
Today I go to school.
At 5:00 is the movie.
At 5:00, the movie starts.
In London is cold.
In London, it is cold.
Under the bed the cat is.
Under the bed, the cat is hiding.
Every day, do I exercise.
Every day, I exercise.
In the summer we going to the beach.
In the summer, we go to the beach.
In the middle of the dark and scary forest lived a witch.
In the middle of the dark and scary forest, a witch lived.
On the table, was a book.
On the table, there was a book.
During the movie, I didn't liked it.
During the movie, I didn't like it.
Rarely, I go there.
Rarely do I go there.
文型パターン
In ___, I usually ___.
At ___, the ___ was ___.
During the ___, ___ decided to ___.
Deep within ___, there is a ___ that ___.
Real World Usage
In Washington today, the President signed a new bill.
At the gym now, call u later.
In my last project, I reduced costs by 20%.
At the next corner, turn left.
In paradise with my besties! 🌴
At the front gate, please leave the bag.
文頭を変えてみよう
カンマを忘れずに！
In the library, they studied.
強調したい時に使おう
On the table, you left your keys.
もっとネイティブらしく
During the holidays, they travelled.
簡潔にまとめよう
Smart Tips
Use fronting at the start of a new paragraph to signal a change in location or time.
Front the time/place phrase to 'clear the way' for the long subject at the end.
Start your sentences with 'In this slide' or 'At this point' to guide your audience's eyes.
Check if you can move a 'when' or 'where' to the front of every 3rd or 4th sentence.
発音
The Comma Pause
When a phrase is fronted, there is usually a slight rise in pitch at the end of the phrase, followed by a brief pause (where the comma is).
Rising-Falling
In the morning (↑), I drink coffee (↓).
The rise signals that the sentence isn't finished; the fall signals the end of the thought.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Start with the 'Where' or 'When', then the comma is your friend.
視覚的連想
Imagine a movie director setting up a scene. Before the actors (Subject/Verb) start moving, the director places the 'Time' and 'Place' signs at the very front of the stage so the audience knows exactly where they are.
Rhyme
If the phrase is long and wide, put a comma on the side.
Story
Once upon a time, in a dark forest, a hero lived. Every morning, he practiced his sword skills. Under the bright sun, he became the strongest in the land.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three sentences about your last vacation. In each sentence, move the time or place to the beginning.
文化メモ
British speakers often use fronting in weather reports and travel updates to sound more official. 'On the M25, there are significant delays.'
In US sports broadcasting, fronting is used constantly to describe plays. 'On the 20-yard line, he makes the catch!'
In global academic English, fronting is a standard way to introduce evidence or limit the scope of a claim.
English word order became more fixed (SVO) after the loss of the Germanic case system. Fronting survived as a way to maintain some of the flexibility found in Old English.
会話のきっかけ
In your hometown, where is the best place to eat?
During your last vacation, what was the most surprising thing you saw?
At work or school, what is your biggest challenge right now?
In ten years, where do you see yourself living?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
___, I usually grab coffee before my online class.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Find and fix the mistake:
Before the big exam I stayed up all night studying.
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exerciseswe / tomorrow / to / the / going / are / beach
Choose the best option:
Find and fix the mistake:
In the garden, is a beautiful fountain.
___, the streets were completely empty.
Transform the sentence:
Match them up:
You must always swap the subject and verb when you move a place phrase to the start.
A: Where did you leave your keys? B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises___, I always check my social media notifications.
これらの単語を並べ替えて文を作りましょう:
Beneath the towering skyscrapers the tiny food truck served amazing tacos.
どちらの文が正しいですか？
英語に翻訳しましょう: 'In my opinion, learning English is fun.'
元の文と、文頭にフレーズを移動させた文を一致させましょう:
Through the city's narrow alleys the delivery rider navigated skillfully.
___, the concert tickets sold out in minutes.
これらの単語を並べ替えて文を作りましょう:
どちらの文が正しいですか？
英語に翻訳しましょう: 'Last night, I updated my gaming console.'
フレーズと適切な文を一致させましょう:
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
For short phrases like `Today` or `In London`, it is not strictly 'wrong,' but for phrases longer than 4 words, it is necessary to avoid confusion.
No, the basic facts remain the same. It only changes the `emphasis` or the `focus` of the sentence.
That is a different, more advanced rule called `Verb Fronting` (e.g., 'Run he did'). For B1, we focus only on time and place phrases.
This is `Subject-Verb Inversion`. It is used in literature to sound more dramatic. In everyday English, you should say `In the corner, a man was sitting.`
Yes, but it's rare. Example: `Yesterday, in the park, I saw a bird.` Use commas to separate them.
It is `neutral`. It is used in both casual texting and formal academic writing.
Words like `Today`, `Now`, `First`, and `Then` are the most common fronted adverbials.
Usually, no. `Now we can go` is fine. If you want a dramatic pause, you can add one.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Hipérbaton / Orden libre
Spanish doesn't require the 'dummy it' (e.g., 'En Londres llueve' vs 'In London, it rains').
V2-Stellung
German: 'Heute *gehe* ich.' English: 'Today *I go*.'
Complément circonstanciel en tête
French allows for more frequent subject-verb inversion in formal writing.
Topic-comment structure
Japanese uses particles (ni/de) to mark the phrase, whereas English uses prepositions.
تقديم الجار والمجرور
Arabic word order is VSO or SVO, and fronting can change the grammatical requirements of the subject.
Time-Place-Action order
English standard is SVO-PT; Chinese standard is S-T-P-V.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
Related Grammar Rules
強調：本当に好きなんです！ (Emphatic Do/Does/Did)
### Overview 英語において「強調」を表現する方法は多岐にわたります。強い形容詞や副詞（`extremely`, `absolutely` など）を...
do/does/did を使った強調
### Overview 英語の文法には、単に事実を述べるだけでなく、話し手の強い確信や、相手の誤解を訂正したいという意図を伝えるた...
あなたが必要なのは... (強調のためのWh-Clefts)
### Overview 英語の学習が上級レベル（C1）に達すると、単に「意味が通じる」だけでなく、「どの情報を際立たせ、聞き手の注意...
目的語の先頭化：目的語を最初に置く
### Overview 英語の構文における「前置（Fronting）」、特に「目的語前置（Object Fronting）」は、標準的なSVO（主語-動詞-目...
存在を表す There (There is / There are)
スマホを見て、`there is` (いない・ない) Wi-Fiがないことに気づいたことはありますか？その小さなパニックの瞬間は、存在を示...
