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 second 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 Subject Verb (e.g., Jamamadi, Xavante)
- Object Verb Subject (e.g., Guarijio, Hixkaryana)
Rare sequences are often used for effect in fiction, to mark a character's speech as alien. Examples include the Klingon language (OVS) and Yoda in Star Wars (OSV: "a brave man your father was").