What does syntax refer to in the context of language?

Syntax refers specifically to the set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences in a language, particularly how words are arranged to create meaningful phrases and clauses. It plays a critical role in conveying the intended meaning of a sentence, as different arrangements of the same words can lead to different interpretations. For instance, the sentence "The cat chased the mouse" has a different meaning and structure than "The mouse chased the cat," illustrating how syntax influences comprehension in language.

While the study of sounds in language relates to phonetics or phonology and not syntax, the creation of new words pertains to morphology, which is about the forms of words and how they are modified. The meanings of words and how they evolve fall under semantics, rather than syntax. Each of these areas contributes to our understanding of language, but the essence of syntax is primarily focused on the combination of words to create coherent and meaningful expressions.