Final answer:
Using semantic and syntactic clues to complete sentences is known as using context clues. Semantics is about the meaning of words, while syntax focuses on their arrangement in sentences to aid comprehension. This is a key reading skill that helps readers understand complex texts better.
Step-by-step explanation:
The use of semantic and syntactic clues to aid in completing sentences is referred to as using context clues. Semantics involves the meaning of words in language, whereas syntax refers to the order and structure of words in a sentence. Together, they help readers and listeners fill in gaps and comprehend the intended message even if parts of the communication are not explicitly stated. In sentence completion, one might use semantic clues like the meanings of surrounding words or phrases and syntactic clues such as the grammatical structure of a sentence to infer the meaning. This is a critical reading skill, aiding in the understanding of complex texts and enhancing comprehension.
For example, in the sentence 'After the long hike, they were all famished, so they quickly ate ___,' the blank can be filled by inferencing that the group would eat 'food' or something specific like 'sandwiches' based on the semantic and syntactic information provided.