verbfirst

Verbfirst is a term used in linguistic discussions to describe clause structures in which the finite verb appears at the very beginning of a sentence, preceding the subject and other arguments. The label is not universal, but it is commonly employed to highlight verb-initial word orders that function as a primary organizing principle of the clause.

In typological descriptions, verb-first patterns are often associated with languages classified as verb-initial, including canonical VSO orders where the verb leads the clause. Classical and Modern Arabic typically exhibit verb-initial main clauses; Biblical Hebrew is also analyzed as frequently VSO, though the order can vary with emphasis or stylistic effect. Other languages may show verb-initial tendencies in limited registers or in embedded clauses.

In verb-first constructions, the subject may be overt or pro-drop, with verbal morphology providing subject agreement. Objects and other complements may follow the verb, or appear after the subject, depending on the language. The exact ordering can be influenced by discourse focus, topic fronting, and information structure.

Because verbfirst is a descriptive label rather than a universally adopted typology, its use is mainly to contrast with more common SVO or SOV patterns and to describe languages where the verb position is a salient and regular feature. It is most useful when discussing verb-initial syntax across languages with rich verbal inflection and flexible word order.