Syntax

Syntax in English is the arrangement of words and phrases in a specific order. If you change the position of just one word, the meaning of the entire sentence can change. All languages have specific rules about which words should be placed where, and skilled writers can manipulate these rules to make sentences sound more touching or poetic.

Syntax in linguistics refers to the arrangement of words and phrases. Syntax covers topics such as word order and grammar rules, such as subject-verb agreement or correct placement of direct and indirect objects.

Syntax is essential for understanding constituency, the term for multiple words that act as a unit. In long and complex sentences, constituency is needed to determine the hierarchy within the sentence, specifically with sentence diagrams.