Which term deals with how words combine to form phrases, phrases combine to form clauses, and clauses join to make sentences?

• A. Syntax
• B. Morphology
• C. Semantics
• D. Phonology

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how sentences are built from smaller units through the rules that govern combining words into phrases, phrases into clauses, and clauses into sentences. This field studies the structure and organization of language—the way words are arranged to form meaningful, well-formed bigger units.

Words come together to form phrases, like a noun phrase such as the quick brown fox, or a verb phrase like runs swiftly. Those phrases then combine to form clauses, which are the building blocks that can function as statements, questions, or commands. Finally, clauses join to make sentences, whether simple, compound, or complex, showing how different pieces fit together to express complete thoughts.

This focus on arrangement, order, and hierarchical structure—how units are nested and linked—defines syntax. By contrast, morphology looks at the internal form of words, semantics at meaning, and phonology at sound patterns.