Syntax and Grammar

The terms syntax and grammar both refer to language structure as opposed to meaning, or sound. Given that a large proportion of individuals who present with developmental or acquired language difficulties have syntactic difficulties, it is important for clinicians to have a strong understanding of syntax and grammar. However, it should also be noted that there is an enormous range of syntactic theories, and a vigorous debate among linguists regarding the fundamental principles of syntactic theory, for example, the extent to which syntactic structure is innate. This entry addresses the following topics: (a) the difference between the meaning of the terms grammar and syntax, (b) a discussion of the range of phenomena that can be described as syntactic, (c) a discussion of different syntactic theories, ...