The closer to English the code is, the less precise the syntax can be. In order to reduce the ambiguity, language designers must introduce additional rules, and additional conditions. This often includes context dependent semantics.
All of these things are _complications_ not just in the syntax but in the mental model. In order to effectively manipulate the code, you must hold all of those rules in your head while writing it.
In Lisp, the syntax requires the direct expression of context (parentheses). It also has dead simple semantics: do this to that. This means that Lisps are essentially optimized for authoring the code in the first place. This is what is meant when people say it is easy to reason about.
Of course, this is a trade-off, but arguably one that makes a developer more productive. Yes debugging is more difficult. Yet I'd venture it is a less common activity with Lisp as wrongness in the program is often obvious to the author.
All of these things are _complications_ not just in the syntax but in the mental model. In order to effectively manipulate the code, you must hold all of those rules in your head while writing it.
In Lisp, the syntax requires the direct expression of context (parentheses). It also has dead simple semantics: do this to that. This means that Lisps are essentially optimized for authoring the code in the first place. This is what is meant when people say it is easy to reason about.
Of course, this is a trade-off, but arguably one that makes a developer more productive. Yes debugging is more difficult. Yet I'd venture it is a less common activity with Lisp as wrongness in the program is often obvious to the author.
But yes, not for everybody.