Subject-verb-object

In linguistic typology, subject-verb-object (SVO) is the sequence 'subject verb object' in neutral expressions. Languages are classified according to the dominant sequence of these constitutents of sentences. This sequence is the most common.

English, French, Kiswahili, Indonesian, and Chinese are examples of languages that follow this pattern.

The other permutations, in order of how common they are:

• Subject Object Verb (e.g., Japanese, Persian, Latin, Turkish, Tibetan, Tamil, Quechua)
• Verb Subject Object (e.g., Welsh, classical Arabic, Hawaiian, Berber)
• Verb Object Subject (e.g., Fijian[?], Terena[?], Malagasy[?])
• Object Verb Subject (e.g., Guarijio[?], Hixkaryana[?])
• Object Subject Verb (e.g., Jamamadi[?])

Some languages are mixed: in German the SVO order and the SOV order are both used, depending on the context.

Rare sequences are often used for effect in fiction, to mark a character's speech as unusual. Examples include the Klingon language (OVS) and Yoda in Star Wars (OSV: "a brave man your father was").