What do linguists mean by the term 'syntax'?

What do linguists mean by the term 'syntax'?

• A. The rules that govern the meaning of words
• B. The study of sound systems in a language
• C. The structure and arrangement of words in sentences
• D. The social use of language in context

Answer: (C)

The term 'syntax' refers specifically to the structure and arrangement of words in sentences. It encompasses the rules and principles that dictate how words combine to form phrases, clauses, and ultimately complete sentences. Understanding syntax is crucial for analyzing how different sentence structures can affect meaning, clarity, and the overall flow of language. This involves the order of words, how different parts of speech interact, and the grammatical relationships that are established through particular arrangements. The other options represent different aspects of linguistic study. The meaning of words pertains to semantics, which is distinct from syntax. The study of sound systems falls under phonetics or phonology, while the social use of language is the focus of pragmatics, showcasing the varied dimensions of language that linguists explore.

The term 'syntax' refers specifically to the structure and arrangement of words in sentences. It encompasses the rules and principles that dictate how words combine to form phrases, clauses, and ultimately complete sentences. Understanding syntax is crucial for analyzing how different sentence structures can affect meaning, clarity, and the overall flow of language. This involves the order of words, how different parts of speech interact, and the grammatical relationships that are established through particular arrangements.

The other options represent different aspects of linguistic study. The meaning of words pertains to semantics, which is distinct from syntax. The study of sound systems falls under phonetics or phonology, while the social use of language is the focus of pragmatics, showcasing the varied dimensions of language that linguists explore.