Subject–verb–object word order

Subject Verb Object (SVO) is a term used in Linguistic typology. SVO denotes the sequence 'Subject Verb Object' in neutral expressions. It is a type of languages when classifying languages according to the dominant sequence of these constitutents. 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)

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").