faulty syntax

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "faulty syntax" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe errors or mistakes in the structure of a sentence or phrase that make it grammatically incorrect. Example: "The essay was difficult to read due to its faulty syntax, which confused the main arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A few days later, I sat and listened as she waved the offending papers in the air and ranted about sloppy grammar, faulty syntax and cloudy thinking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Guamán Poma's lengthy and wide-ranging El primer nueva corónica y buen gobierno (1612 15; "The First New Chronicle and Good Government," translated in abridgment as Letter to a King) is written in a very faulty Spanish, laced with Quechua words and troubled by Quechuan syntax, which gives his work an authentic and dramatic tone.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Faulty Towers?

The Economist

Faulty intelligence.

The New York Times

Faulty heater.

The New York Times

Was it faulty?

The New York Times

Intelligence is inherently faulty.

The Economist

"A faulty connection".

The New Yorker

"I got faulty directions".

The New York Times

The inverted syntax?

The New York Times

"It is a syntax".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "faulty syntax", clarify which specific part of the sentence is problematic to provide better feedback.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the syntax is faulty" without explaining why. Describe the specific grammatical errors, such as incorrect word order or verb tense, to provide useful feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faulty syntax" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "syntax." It describes syntax that contains errors or is structurally unsound. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "faulty syntax" is used to describe errors in sentence structure, implying that the arrangement of words does not follow standard grammatical rules. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and usable in English. While not frequently used, as indicated by a 'Rare' frequency rating, it appears in credible news sources and encyclopedias. To avoid ambiguity when using "faulty syntax", specify the particular grammatical flaws. Alternatives such as "grammatical errors" or "flawed sentence structure" offer similar ways to address problems in sentence construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

syntactical mistakes

Directly points out the errors made in syntax.

erroneous syntax

Similar to "faulty syntax" but uses a more formal word.

grammatical errors

Focuses on errors in grammar more broadly, rather than specifically sentence structure.

improper syntax

Highlights that the syntax is not appropriate or correct.

incorrect grammar

A general term for any kind of error in grammar.

flawed sentence structure

Emphasizes the structural issues of the sentence, not just the syntax.

defective syntax

Suggests that the syntax is flawed or incomplete.

poor sentence construction

Highlights the lack of quality in building a sentence.

ungrammatical construction

Refers to constructions that do not follow grammatical rules.

nonstandard syntax

Indicates that the syntax deviates from accepted standards.

FAQs

How can I identify "faulty syntax" in a sentence?

Look for incorrect word order, mismatched verb tenses, and pronoun disagreement. These are common signs of "faulty syntax".

What's the difference between "faulty syntax" and grammatical errors?

"Faulty syntax" refers specifically to errors in sentence structure and word order, while "grammatical errors" is a broader term encompassing all types of grammatical mistakes, including punctuation and spelling.

How to correct "faulty syntax"?

To correct "faulty syntax", rearrange the sentence for logical flow, ensure correct verb tense agreement, and clarify ambiguous pronoun references.

Is it okay to use "faulty syntax" in creative writing?

While typically avoided in formal writing, intentionally using "faulty syntax" can create a specific effect in creative writing, such as highlighting a character's broken English or disjointed thought process.