Is word order important in questions? Years ago, I learned that when asking a question, the order should be verb then subject, but I've seen an example where the word order is reversed: "¿Miguel estará en la oficina?" I would have asked, "¿Estará Miguel en la oficina?" It seems important because often folks (even some native speakers) don't use an inflection in their voice when asking a question. By using verb then subject, it becomes clearer that it is a question.
Hola Steven P.
In yes/no questions in Spanish, the standard pattern is Verb + Subject, e.g.
However, placing the subject first is also possible, especially in informal or spoken language:
Both are grammatically correct. The difference is mostly one of clarity and emphasis:
Verb-first makes it immediately clear that it's a question (especially in writing or when intonation is flat).
Subject-first sounds a bit more colloquial or rhetorical, often used when the speaker is already thinking of that person and is “checking” the idea aloud.
In English, intonation alone signals a question; in Spanish, word order helps compensate when intonation is not enough (e.g., reading aloud, flat tone or quick speech).
So yes, word order matters mainly for clarity, not correctness. Both orders are valid.
Saludos
Silvia
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