Universal 488:

Original: In declarative sentences with nominal subject and object, the dominant order is always one in which the subject precedes the object.
Standardized: In declarative sentences with nominal subject and object, the dominant order is always one in which the subject precedes the object.
Keywords: declarative sentence, order, subject, object
Domain: syntax
Type: unconditional
Status: achronic
Quality: absolute
Basis: 30 languages of Greenberg 1963 sample
Source: Greenberg 1963: 77, #1

Counterexamples: Languages with VOS, OVS, and OSV orders:mentioned by Greenberg himself, 1963: 110:VOS: Siuslaw (isolate), VOS: Coeur d’Alene (Salish), OVS: Coos (Coosan).VOS: Malagasy, Batak [Toba dialect], Fijian, Gilbertese (all Malayo-Polynesian), Tzeltal (Mayan), Otomi (Oto-Manguean), Ineseño Chumash (Hokan), Baure (Arawakan), Tzotzil, Kekchi (both Mayan), Tsou (Formosan, Austronesian) (Keenan 1978);Huave (isolate) (Pickett 1983: 536); Cakchiqel, Chol, Huastec, Mopan, Pocoman, Pocomchi, Quiche, Tojolabal (all Mayan), Ojibwa (Algonquian) (Pullum 1981). OVS:Apalaí, Arekuna-Taupilang, Bacairí, Hianacoto-Umaua, Hixkaryana, Makushi, Panare (all Carib ), Asuriní (Tupi) (Derbyshire 1977, Derbyshire & Pullum 1981); Wajana (Carib) (Howell 1982); Barasano (Tucanoan) (Pullum 1981).OSV: Apurinã (Arawakan), Nadëb (Makú), Urubú (Tupi), Xavante (Gê) (Derbyshire 1977, Derbyshire & Pullum 1981); Kabardian (North Caucasian), Hurrian (isolate) (Polinskaja 1987: 89, 1989).

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