An introduction to English Syntax
Syntax is the study of phrase and sentence structures, and of how their structures interact with
phonology, morphology, semantics and pragmatics.
1. Syntax vs. grammar
Syntax is the rule that govern sentence structure. It focuses on the rules governing how words
combine to form meaningful units, such as phrases and sentences, and how these structures convey
information. Grammar includes syntax plus more. It covers phonology, morphology, semantics, and
pragmatics.
In summary, syntax is a subfield of grammar that only deals with the arrangement of words in
phrases and sentences, whereas grammar consists of syntax and other linguistic components.
Syntax governs the various semantic interpretations of different possible word orders.
Example 01
Adam saw Mary.
Mary saw Adam.
A sentence is a sequence of words but every sequence of word is not a sentence.
Example 02
⁎
Saw Mary Adam. (ill-formed sentence)
Example 03
Mary drinks the water.
⁎
The water drinks Mary.
⁎
Mary drink the water.
A sentence can be grammatical but not meaningful.
Example 04
Colorless green ideas sleep furiously.
A sentence can be ambiguous.
Example 05
The man saw the woman with the telescope.
The door is unlockable.