syntax

USAGE SUMMARY

"syntax" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to the structure and order of words in a sentence or phrase. For example: "The syntax of this sentence has confused me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's done crucial research on language acquisition, and he offers an admirable account of syntax in his book, but it is unclear what he's talking about here.

The Economist

As he knows, the nominative and accusative cases are the reason that we don't say gibberish like "Her gave it to he and then sat by we here!" No idea is more basic to English syntax and grammar.

The Economist

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 Economist

In more self-reflexive modes ("Can anyone c me") she becomes an absurdist poet, experimenting with syntax, sunsets, and subtlety.

The Guardian

The judgment behind my word choices in The Cherry Orchard is entirely subjective and based on no linguistic consideration of original Russian syntax or grammar.

The Guardian

Yet he is warm, easy company, with a quick smile, a wry wit and an ability to speak, with slightly accented English, in perfect syntax.

The Guardian - Film

There were two issues: firstly, while I find Clojure's syntax for interacting with data pretty natural, I know it's not that intuitive to most mainstream programmers.

The Guardian

He is a comedian, but on stage this evening he has the detachment of a technician conducting a science experiment: night after night, he will make fractional tweaks to the syntax or the emphasis of a line and gauge the fractional, almost imperceptible response of the audience.

The Guardian

Book now This accessible evening course led by Katherine Fry and Rowena Kirton, co-authors of Grammar For Grown-ups, can help anyone overcome their problems with syntax and semantics.

The Guardian

The reason for that is the Greek grammar and syntax.

The Economist

In his defence, the syntax here is weird.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing computer languages, specify which language's "syntax" you are referring to for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "syntax" interchangeably with "semantics". "Syntax" refers to the structure of a sentence, while semantics refers to its meaning. A sentence can have correct "syntax" but still be semantically nonsensical.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "syntax" is as a noun. It refers to the set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences in a given language, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "syntax" refers to the rules governing sentence structure, applicable to both natural and computer languages. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase is widely used, particularly in news and media, and understanding its distinction from semantics is crucial for effective communication. When discussing this term it is important to define the type of "syntax" being mentioned (programming, grammar, etc.).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sentence structure

Focuses specifically on the arrangement of words in a sentence, a core aspect of syntax.

grammatical structure

Emphasizes the adherence to grammar rules in the overall structure.

linguistic structure

Broader term encompassing all structural aspects of language, including syntax.

phrase structure

Highlights how phrases are formed and combined within a sentence.

sentence construction

Focuses on the process of building sentences, closely related to syntax.

word order

Highlights a key element of syntax: the arrangement of words.

grammatical rules

Refers to the set of rules governing sentence formation, which includes syntax.

language rules

A more general term encompassing all rules of a language, including syntax.

structural rules

Focuses on the structural guidelines that govern language.

rules of grammar

General term for the conventions and principles of grammar.

FAQs

How is "syntax" used in computer science?

In computer science, "syntax" refers to the set of rules that define the structure of a programming language. Correct "syntax" is essential for the code to be properly interpreted and executed by a computer.

What's the difference between grammar and "syntax"?

Grammar is a broader term encompassing all the rules of a language, including morphology, phonology, and "syntax". "Syntax" specifically refers to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences. See also: "grammatical structure".

How to use "syntax" in a sentence?

You can use "syntax" in a sentence to refer to the arrangement of words and phrases in a sentence, such as: "The complex "syntax" of the poem made it difficult to understand" or "The compiler reported a "syntax" error in the code".

What can I say instead of "syntax"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "sentence structure", "grammatical structure", or "word order".