What does the term "syntax" specifically address in language?

Syntax refers to the set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences in a language. It specifically addresses how words are arranged to create meaningful sentences. This arrangement affects the relationships among words and the overall coherence of the conveyed message. For example, in English, the typical syntax structure follows a subject-verb-object format, as in “The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object).” This highlights how arrangement influences meaning, making syntax a fundamental aspect of language.

The other choices pertain to different aspects of language. The emotional tone relates to the affective component of communication but does not involve word arrangement. Semantic meaning deals with the interpretation and meaning of words and sentences but does not focus on how those words are organized. Phonetic pronunciation involves the sounds of spoken language rather than the written structure of sentences. Thus, the focus on the arrangement of words precisely pinpoints what syntax addresses in language.