Do you ever make the "thinking ahead" error in speech or writing?

@TheHorse (225647)
Walnut Creek, California
March 7, 2025 10:47am CST
I do it all the time, both in speech and in writing. I will forget to say or write a word that I intended to use. Instead I will say or write the next word, or a word further along in the sentence, especially if the later word sounds similar to the first. I used to think it was a sign I was going senile. But when I observed young commentators do the same thing on the news, I realized it was a common speech error that I just hadn't noticed before. As a simple example, suppose I meant to say "Sharing shoes is gross." If I am typing away, especially if distracted by Kitty or the chain saw outside, I might type "Shoes is gross." I could go on, but you get the point. Have you ever caught your self making the "thinking ahead" error?
7 people like this
7 responses
@celticeagle (173446)
• Boise, Idaho
7 Mar
That does happen sometimes. If my mind is getting ahead of my pen.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (173446)
• Boise, Idaho
11 Mar
@TheHorse ......Usually but have to be sure to edit my work.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (225647)
• Walnut Creek, California
8 Mar
Yep. Do you tend to catch it?
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (225647)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Mar
@celticeagle I edit mine constantly.
1 person likes this
@Tina30219 (82848)
• Onaway, Michigan
7 Mar
Yes I do this sometimes and the embarrassing part is sometimes I do not catch it but others will and glad they let me know.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (225647)
• Walnut Creek, California
7 Mar
Omitting the word "not" could have disastrous consequences.
@Tina30219 (82848)
• Onaway, Michigan
7 Mar
@TheHorse It sure could
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (225647)
• Walnut Creek, California
8 Mar
@Tina30219 Hey, I have old age as an excuse.
@much2say (57455)
• Los Angeles, California
8 Mar
I definitely do that when typing. I type as I think . . . but sometimes I will skip words . . . and I wouldn't notice it until I reread it. So it's not a senile thing? Phew!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (225647)
• Walnut Creek, California
8 Mar
Wait. Aren't you 125-years-old and still collecting Social Security.
@sallypup (63896)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Mar
You may quit spying on me now. Thanks!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (225647)
• Walnut Creek, California
7 Mar
I spy on you! Oops. I meant to type "I seldom spy on you."
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (351328)
• Rockingham, Australia
8 Mar
I used to regularly forget to write 'not' or add the 'n't' at the end of a word so it would become a positive rather than a negative statement. Of course, it would completely change the meaning of what I wanted to say so I'm especially on the lookout for it now. I don't do it when I'm talking.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (225647)
• Walnut Creek, California
8 Mar
I do it more when writing than talking.
1 person likes this
@lovebuglena (46003)
• Staten Island, New York
8 Mar
I’ve done that many a time and often when I read the sentence I don’t realize the word is missing. I read it as if it’s there.
@wolfgirl569 (114860)
• Marion, Ohio
7 Mar
I do it a lot