incorrect syntax

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incorrect syntax" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a mistake in the structure of a sentence or code that prevents it from being understood or executed properly. Example: "The program failed to run due to incorrect syntax in the code."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Naranjo apparently had its revenge some years later, in 680AD, having the panels dismantled and partially reassembled at home with gaps and incorrect syntax – possibly deliberately, to obscure the story of the snake dynasties' success.

The Guardian

Incorrect syntax makes it more difficult to re-use the initial models with existing software tools.

BMC Systems Biology

When error messages were displayed on the screen because logic was in the wrong place or there was incorrect syntax or spelling of commands, CSPro provided instructions on how to proceed.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The rule is a product of the usual three confusions: English with Latin, informal style with incorrect grammar and syntax with semantics.

The Guardian - Books

Pinker calls this offense "a schoolteacher rule" that is "a product of the usual three confusions: English with Latin, informal style with incorrect grammar, and syntax with semantics".

The New Yorker

The frontal awaits for answers, either from Apache if the Http components detect an error (typically when the query syntax is incorrect - code 400 - not shown in the figure for lack of space), or from Jonas when the request is fully processed.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

These 1280 sentences were subdivided into four subsets of 320 sentences, where each condition combination of the factors correctness (correct vs. incorrect), condition (semantics vs. syntax), and matching (matching vs. mismatching) was represented by 40 sentences.

Plosone

Reasons for false positive errors included semantically incorrect but valid name syntax, identification of the patient relative instead of the patient, medical terms that can also be proper names, and some proper drug names.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Comb the work for incorrect punctuation, spelling, grammar, syntax and spacing issues.

WikiHow

Sentences varying the factors syntax (correct vs. incorrect) and auditory space (standard vs. change of interaural time difference (ITD)) were auditorily presented.

NeuroImage

Andy Rosenthal has his syntax wrong.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Clearly define the syntax rules for your project or document to provide a consistent standard for identifying and correcting "incorrect syntax".

Common error

Be meticulous when reviewing your work. "Incorrect syntax" can often result from small, easily missed errors like misplaced commas, unmatched brackets, or typos in keywords. Use tools and peer review to catch these subtle mistakes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incorrect syntax" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify errors in the structural arrangement of words or symbols in language, code, or other formal systems. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Examples show its use across various fields, from discussing Maya scripts to computer programming.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incorrect syntax" is a noun phrase used to denote errors in the structural arrangement of language or code. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, and the phrase is found across scientific, news, and wiki sources. While alternatives like "faulty syntax" or "improper syntax" exist, "incorrect syntax" serves as a clear and direct way to describe syntactical errors and is particularly relevant in technical and academic discussions. Remember to use debuggers and linters to prevent "incorrect syntax" in your work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faulty syntax

Replaces "incorrect" with "faulty", implying a defect or flaw in the syntax.

improper syntax

Substitutes "incorrect" with "improper", suggesting that the syntax does not adhere to established rules or conventions.

erroneous syntax

Uses "erroneous" instead of "incorrect", highlighting that the syntax contains errors or mistakes.

flawed syntax

Replaces "incorrect" with "flawed", indicating that the syntax has imperfections or weaknesses.

defective syntax

Similar to "faulty syntax", but with a stronger emphasis on the syntax being non-functional or broken.

bad syntax

A more informal alternative to "incorrect syntax", using "bad" to describe the quality of the syntax.

non-standard syntax

Suggests that the syntax deviates from the norm, rather than being strictly incorrect.

malformed syntax

Implies that the syntax is badly formed or structured, often used in technical contexts like programming.

syntactical error

Focuses on the presence of an "error" within the syntax, rather than describing the syntax itself as incorrect.

grammar mistake

A broader term that includes syntax errors, but also encompasses other types of grammatical errors.

FAQs

How can I identify "incorrect syntax" in my writing?

To identify "incorrect syntax", carefully review your sentences for errors in word order, punctuation, and agreement. Tools like grammar checkers and style guides can also help pinpoint syntactical issues.

What are some common causes of "incorrect syntax" in programming?

Common causes of "incorrect syntax" in programming include typos, missing semicolons, unmatched parentheses, and using keywords or operators incorrectly. Compilers and linters can help detect these errors.

What's the difference between "incorrect syntax" and a semantic error?

"Incorrect syntax" refers to errors in the structure or grammar of a sentence or code, preventing it from being understood. A semantic error, on the other hand, occurs when the syntax is correct, but the meaning is nonsensical or unintended. You can replace the phrase with something like "semantic error" to describe the second case.

What can I say instead of "incorrect syntax"?

You can use alternatives like "faulty syntax", "improper syntax", or "erroneous syntax" depending on the context.