Final answer:
The term that describes the arrangement of words to form sentences or phrases is syntax. Syntax is a key component of grammar and is used to create clear and well-formed sentences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that describes the way in which words are arranged to make phrases or sentences is syntax. Syntax involves the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. This is an essential aspect of grammar, alongside semantics, which refers to the meaning derived from words.
Writers often manipulate syntax for rhetorical effect, as seen in literature. For instance, the phrase "To thine own self be true" from Hamlet by Shakespeare is an example of altered syntax to convey a specific point or emphasis. Understanding syntax is important for clarity in communication and can be strategically used to enhance the impact of writing.