Final answer:
Syntax is the set of grammatical rules that dictate how words are arranged within sentences to effectively communicate meaning within a language, and it is a crucial component of a language's grammar.
Step-by-step explanation:
Syntax refers to the set of rules that govern how words are arranged within sentences to convey meaning effectively. In linguistics, syntax is associated with the structure of sentences, which involves word order, sentence length, and complexity, as well as the relationship between words, phrases, and clauses. The grammar of a language includes both semantics, which is the meaning derived from individual words and phrases, and syntax, which is the arrangement of those words and phrases to create sentences.
For example, in English, we typically follow the subject-verb-object word order to form coherent sentences, and we add '-ed' to most verbs for past tense. These conventions are part of the English language's syntax and are essential for clear communication.