noun
syntax
SIN-taks/ˈsɪntæks/
Rules specifying the order of elements in a language.
The picture cards illustrate syntax with a subject, action, and object.
Etymology
The pieces mean “arrange together.” From putting parts into order, syntax acquired its grammatical sense: the established patterns governing how words fit together into sentences.
In context
The brain just stops processing syntax.
More examples
- She studies the syntax of questions in English.
- Changing the word order can break the sentence's syntax.
- The program checks each command for correct syntax.
Forms
syntactic adjective — Relating to how language elements combine.