improper syntax

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "improper syntax" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing errors in sentence structure or grammar that do not conform to standard language rules. Example: "The sentence 'Him go store' contains improper syntax and should be corrected to 'He goes to the store.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"My head was so full of words that I often had trouble forming simple sentences out loud," he writes, "and my speech became a curious jumble of obscure words and improper syntax".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Andy Rosenthal has his syntax wrong.

Huffington Post

My syntax is all wrong.

The Guardian - Film

— the Improper Benefits bowl.

The New York Times

"It is a syntax".

The Guardian - Arts

This was improper.

Independent

"Your syntax is shit.

The Guardian - Film

The inverted syntax?

The New York Times

Mangle his syntax?

The New York Times

Her syntax stays sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

The pleasures of syntax.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When identifying "improper syntax", be specific about the grammatical rule that is being violated to improve clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "improper syntax" when the issue is with the meaning of the words (semantics) rather than the structure of the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "improper syntax" functions as a noun phrase that describes a condition where the grammatical structure of a sentence is flawed or incorrect. As Ludwig AI explains, this term is used to identify errors in sentence formation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "improper syntax" is a term used to describe flawed grammatical structures in sentences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is rare. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, this phrase is used to pinpoint and rectify errors in language. When using the phrase, ensure that the error genuinely pertains to the structure and not the meaning (semantics) of the sentence. For alternative phrasing, consider using "incorrect grammar" or "faulty syntax".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incorrect sentence structure

Focuses specifically on the structure of the sentence being flawed.

faulty grammatical construction

Emphasizes the error in how the grammar is built.

ungrammatical sentence formation

Highlights the lack of adherence to grammatical rules in forming a sentence.

nonstandard linguistic arrangement

Indicates a deviation from the conventional arrangement of language elements.

deviant syntactic structure

Points to a structural divergence from accepted syntactic norms.

erroneous sentence composition

Highlights a mistake in putting the sentence together.

flawed language mechanics

Refers to mistakes in the fundamental rules of language.

syntactic anomaly

Indicates an abnormality or irregularity in the syntactic structure.

bad grammar

A simpler, more direct way to describe incorrect grammar.

awkward phrasing

Describes phrasing that is grammatically correct, but sounds clumsy.

FAQs

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

Look for sentences where the word order, verb tense, or agreement between subjects and verbs deviates from standard grammatical rules. For example, "Him go store" exhibits "improper syntax".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "improper syntax"?

You can use alternatives such as "incorrect grammar", "faulty syntax", or "ungrammatical sentence" depending on the context.

Is "improper syntax" a formal or informal term?

"Improper syntax" is a relatively formal term, suitable for academic or professional writing. In more casual settings, "bad grammar" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "improper syntax" and semantics?

"Improper syntax" refers to errors in sentence structure, while semantics concerns the meaning of words and phrases. A sentence can have correct syntax but still be nonsensical due to semantic issues.