Eli5: Why does the brain sometimes switch 2 words in a sentence when we say it?

Question

Eli5: Why does the brain sometimes switch 2 words in a sentence when we say it?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Language has semantics (meaning) and syntax (grammar). Words have meaning and syntax when speaking is basically your word order in a sentence. In Latin, word order is critical to meaning. In German, weird order is critical to speaking properly. Nonetheless, meaning is usually preserved. In American English, word order matters but you will be understood regardless. Americans are creative and our collective “I don’t care” attitude towards grammar reflects this.

For whatever reason, it is easier to pick words than pick your grammar structure. Anyone learning a new language can attest to this.

So when you mess up your grammar, you may be distracted, a non native speaker, or just plain lazy. For example, sometimes this happens to me when I am”distracted” by trying hard to figure out what I want to say.

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