syntax
noun
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Syntax is basically about what word comes before and after another word; in other words, it's part of the larger subject of grammar. Syntax is often an issue in poetry, and it's usually discussed in connection with diction—that is, the poet's choice of words. So, for example, your English professor might point out the syntactic difference between "Whose woods these are I think I know" and "I think I know whose woods these are;" whereas if the discussion was about diction instead, the question might be about the choice of "woods" rather than "land", or "think" rather than "bet".
Examples of syntax in a Sentence
Jon Meacham, Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2008
Coming from a great distance and wholly unrelated to the Teutonic, Latin and Slav languages that fence it in, Hungarian has remained miraculously intact. Everything about the language is different, not only the words themselves, but the way they are formed, the syntax and grammar and above all the cast of mind that brought them into being.
—Patrick Leigh Fermor, Between the Woods and the Water, 1986
“I saw that she a cookie ate” is an example of incorrect syntax.
Joel Khalili, WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024
One thing that requires vocal learning and syntax but doesn’t have semantics is music.
—Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 22 May 2024
Humans, however, can leverage their understanding of grammar, syntax and context to distinguish between them.
—Beth Worthy, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Here are some examples: • AI-Enhanced Coding Challenges: Instead of basic coding challenges that focus on syntax and algorithmic knowledge, implement exercises where candidates work with AI tools to complete coding tasks.
—Laith Dahiyat, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near syntax
Cite this Entry
“Syntax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syntax. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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syntax
noun
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