syntax error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "syntax error" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of programming or computer science to indicate a mistake in the code that violates the rules of the programming language. Example: "When I tried to run the program, I received a syntax error that prevented it from executing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

A simple syntax error, of sorts.

The New Yorker

Why do I get a syntax error whenever I try to run an assembly program?

University of California, Berkeley

Example: an output file is missing, or has a syntax error.

University of California, Berkeley

Note that you may see a warning about a syntax error.

University of California, Berkeley

I'm getting a syntax error with NEURON 7.5 whenever I try to assign something to diam3d(j), e.g. My mistake, sorry.

Yale University

The bindings are identifier macros that expand to the literal saved values; so referring to a saved value that is missing (because not enough values were shown) raises a syntax error.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Syntax errors are easy to find.

Stanford University

inconsistency of units, and syntax errors.

Yale University

There are five varieties of errors: simple syntax errors, compile errors, runtime errors, logic errors, and Outlook application bugs.

Microsoft Outlook 2007 Programming Jumpstart for Power Users and Administrators

Having said that, if your syntax errors cause ambiguity, we might not get the correct meaning.

Stanford University

The syntax errors do not reflect some flawed strategy by the author.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When encountering a "syntax error", carefully review the line of code indicated by the error message and the surrounding lines for missing semicolons, mismatched parentheses, or misspelled keywords. Use a code editor with syntax highlighting to help identify these issues quickly.

Common error

Don't assume the error message pinpoints the exact location of the "syntax error". Sometimes, the root cause lies in a previous line or even a separate file. Start by examining the reported line, but broaden your search if the error isn't immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "syntax error" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a violation of the grammatical rules in a programming language or formal system. For instance, one might say, "The code produced a syntax error." Examples confirm this.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

32%

Wiki

23%

News & Media

17%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "syntax error" is a common noun phrase used to describe errors in programming code or formal languages. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary function is to identify and report mistakes that violate the rules of a language, preventing proper execution or interpretation. Usage is prevalent in academic, wiki, science and news contexts. When debugging, remember that the error message may not always pinpoint the exact source of the problem. As Ludwig AI also highlights, it's more practical to review all the code around the area indicated by the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coding mistake

Replaces "syntax error" with a more general term for a mistake in coding.

programming fault

Uses "fault" instead of "error", suggesting a defect in the programming.

code defect

Similar to "programming fault", but uses "defect" to indicate an imperfection.

grammatical mistake

Focuses on the grammar aspect of the error, applicable in contexts beyond just code.

language structure violation

More formal and specific, referring to a violation of the rules of language structure.

parsing error

Highlights the error occurring during the parsing stage of code execution.

compilation error

Specifically refers to an error that occurs during the compilation of code.

lexical error

Refers to errors at the lexical level, dealing with the structure of words and tokens.

semantic error

Describes an error in the meaning of the code, rather than its structure.

logic error

Indicates an error in the logic of the program, causing it to behave incorrectly.

FAQs

How to use "syntax error" in a sentence?

You can use "syntax error" to describe a mistake in code, such as: "The compiler flagged a "syntax error" on line 23." or "Debugging revealed that a missing semicolon caused the "syntax error".

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

A "syntax error" occurs when the code violates the grammatical rules of the programming language, preventing compilation. A runtime error, on the other hand, occurs during the execution of the program, often due to unexpected input or conditions.

What are common causes of a "syntax error"?

Common causes of a "syntax error" include missing semicolons, incorrect use of operators, mismatched parentheses or brackets, misspelled keywords, and incorrect variable declarations. These errors prevent the code from being correctly parsed and executed.

How can I fix a "syntax error"?

To fix a "syntax error", carefully read the error message provided by the compiler or interpreter. The message usually indicates the line number and the type of error encountered. Use a code editor with syntax highlighting to help identify and correct the mistake, paying close attention to the surrounding code.