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Syntax

SIN-taks

/ˈsɪntæks/

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Syllable breakdown

syntax

Dictionary meaning

The set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences in a given language, including the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences.

Examples

  • The syntax of a sentence can remain the same while its semantics change if different words are substituted.
  • Computational linguistics relies heavily on models of syntax to parse and generate language.

Synonyms: sentence structure, grammar rules

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