Syntax

    According to Chomsky’s Theory, Syntax is a part of linguistics that looks at how words are arranged to form sentences. Simply put, it’s the study of sentence structure. But according to Noam Chomsky, one of the most influential linguists in the world, syntax is much more than just putting words in the right order.

Chomsky introduced the idea that our ability to form sentences comes from an internal set of rules that our brains naturally follow. In his theory of Generative Grammar, he explained that every sentence has two levels: a deep structure, which reflects the core meaning, and a surface structure, which is how we actually say or write it.

For example, the sentences “The cat chased the mouse” and “The mouse was chased by the cat” have different surface structures, but share a similar deep structure. This shows how syntax works behind the scenes to shape meaning.

Chomsky also believed in something called Universal Grammar a built-in knowledge of grammar that all humans are born with, no matter what language they speak. So, when we talk about syntax, we’re not just talking about grammar rules in textbooks. We’re talking about the mental system that allows us to understand and create an endless number of sentences, often without even realizing it.

“Syntax is the study of the principles and processes by which sentences are constructed in particular languages.”

Noam Chomsky, Aspects of the Theory of Syntax (1965)

In short, syntax helps us turn thoughts into language and Chomsky’s theory reminds us that this ability is something uniquely human, wired into our minds from the very beginning.

In understanding sentence structure in a language, it is important to distinguish between several syntactic units, each of which has different roles and functions. These distinctions can be observed from the most basic level to the more complex, namely between words and phrases, clauses and sentences, as well as subjects and predicates

Differences between:

(a) Words and Phrases 

Aspect	Words	Phrases
Definition	Smallest units of meaning	Group of words functioning as a unit
Example	my, family, is, having, dinner	my family (noun phrase)
Characteristic	Cannot be broken into smaller meaningful parts	No subject + verb, not a full sentence
Function	Form parts of phrases or clauses	Function as parts of a sentence (e.g., subject)

 

 

 (b) Clause and Sentences

 

Aspect	Clause	Sentence
Definition	Group of words with subject + verb	A complete thought; at least one clause
Example	My family is having dinner	My family is having dinner.
Characteristic	May be independent or dependent	Must be independent and complete
Function	Can stand alone or join other clauses	Conveys a full idea

 

(b) Subject and Predicate

 

Aspect	Subject	Predicate
Definition	Who or what the sentence is about	What the subject is doing or being
Example	My family	is having dinner
Characteristic	Usually a noun or noun phrase	Always includes the verb
Function	Acts as the topic of the sentence	Gives information about the subject

 

Summary:

From the example “My family is having dinner.” we can see how grammar units build up:

Ø  Words: my, family, is, having, dinner

Ø  Phrase: my family (noun phrase)

Ø  Clause: My family is having dinner (independent clause)

Ø  Sentence: the whole clause, expressing a complete thought

Ø  Subject: my family

Ø  Predicate: is having dinner

Types Of Grammar 

When we think about grammar, we often imagine a list of rules for punctuation, verb forms, or sentence structure. But in the world of linguistics, grammar isn't just about rules it's also about how language works at a deeper level.

There are different ways to look at grammar, and linguists have developed various approaches to help explain how sentences are formed. In this post, we'll explore three major types of grammar:

1. Traditional Grammar

2. Structural Grammar

3. Transformational Generative Grammar

To make things easier, we’ll take one simple sentence and analyze it from each of these perspectives.

Example Sentence:

“A cake is being baked by Sarah.”

🔹 1. Traditional Grammar

Traditional grammar is what most of us learn in school. It’s based on the grammar of Latin and focuses on parts of speech, sentence components, and standard usage. This approach is prescriptive, meaning it tells us how language should be used, according to set rules.

Analysis:

A cake → Subject (noun phrase)

is being baked → Verb phrase in the passive voice (present continuous passive)

by Sarah → Prepositional phrase showing the agent

In this view, the sentence is grammatically correct because it follows the traditional subject-verb-object order, and we identify each word’s role (subject, verb, object, etc.).

🔹 2. Structural Grammar: Seeing the Patterns

Structural grammar was developed in the early 20th century and focuses on the patterns and forms of language. It doesn’t focus on “correctness” the way traditional grammar does, but instead describes how words are structured and organized within sentences.

Analysis:

The sentence is divided into two main parts: the Noun Phrase (NP) and the Verb Phrase (VP).

NP = “A cake”

VP = “is being baked by Sarah”

Within the VP, we break it down further: is being baked (passive verb phrase) and by Sarah (prepositional phrase showing the agent).

In this approach, the focus is on the sentence's structure how its different components fit together in a predictable pattern.

🔹 3. Transformational Generative Grammar: How the Mind Forms Sentences

Transformational Generative Grammar (TGG), introduced by Noam Chomsky, looks at how sentences are formed mentally before they’re spoken or written. According to this theory, each sentence begins with a deep structure (the basic meaning) and then undergoes transformations to become a surface structure (what we actually say or write).

Analysis:

Deep structure: “Sarah is baking a cake” (active voice)

Transformation: The object ("a cake") is promoted to the subject position, the verb changes to passive, and the agent ("by Sarah") is included.

Surface structure: “A cake is being baked by Sarah” (passive voice)

In TGG, grammar isn't just about following rules it's about how our brains rearrange and transform sentences, depending on what we want to emphasize or focus on.

Additionally, in frameworks like Systemic Functional Linguistics, we can look at the sentence through the lens of Theme and Rheme:

In “Sarah is baking a cake,” Sarah is the Theme (the starting point of the sentence), and baking a cake is the Rheme (what’s being said about Sarah).

In “A cake is being baked by Sarah,” A cake becomes the Theme (the new focus of the sentence).

Summary:

Each type of grammar gives us a different perspective on language:

👉Traditional grammar helps us understand the formal rules for correct language use.

👉Structural grammar shows how sentences are built from patterns and structures.

👉Transformational grammar uncovers the deeper mental processes involved in constructing and  interpreting sentences.