What aspect of language does syntax primarily deal with?

Syntax primarily deals with the grammatical structure of sentences in a language. It involves the rules and principles that govern the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences. This aspect of language is crucial for determining how different elements within a sentence interact with one another to convey meaning effectively.

For example, syntax explains why the sentence "The cat chased the mouse" makes sense, while "Chased the mouse the cat" does not, even though all the necessary words are present. Thus, understanding syntax enables individuals to construct grammatically correct sentences and comprehend the relationships among various components in language.

While meaning of words pertains to semantics, sound patterns connect to phonology, and language evolution deals with historical and developmental changes in language, these areas are distinct from the rules that govern sentence structure, which is the primary focus of syntax.