Do you ever make the "thinking ahead" error in speech or writing?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (224348)
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?
8 people like this
8 responses
@lilacskies (9878)
• United States
7 Mar
Yes, all the time. I have to edit my comments if I catch my errors. I have to apologize when I make such errors talking.
2 people like this
@lilacskies (9878)
• United States
7 Mar
@TheHorse Please let us know what you find in your research. Make a post about it. I'm curious.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (224348)
• Walnut Creek, California
7 Mar
@lilacskies Curiosity is good. I studied psychology, but did not get that deep into languge (sic) development and other facets of linguistics.
1 person likes this

@Tina30219 (82745)
• 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


@celticeagle (172542)
• Boise, Idaho
7 Mar
That does happen sometimes. If my mind is getting ahead of my pen.
1 person likes this

@celticeagle (172542)
• Boise, Idaho
11 Mar
@TheHorse ......Usually but have to be sure to edit my work.
1 person likes this

@JudyEv (347875)
• 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
@lovebuglena (45897)
• 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.
