Here's why:
* Syntax focuses on the arrangement of words and phrases within a sentence. It's the grammatical structure that dictates how words connect and interact with each other.
* Semantics, on the other hand, deals with the meaning of individual words and phrases. While semantics is essential for understanding the individual meaning of words, syntax dictates how those meanings work together to create a complete thought.
Example:
* "The cat sat on the mat."
* Semantics: We understand the individual meanings of "cat," "sat," "on," and "mat."
* Syntax: The structure of the sentence tells us that the cat is the subject performing the action of sitting, and the mat is the object of the preposition "on." This arrangement defines the relationship between the words and helps us understand the whole meaning.
In essence, syntax is like the blueprint that guides the meaning of individual words to form a coherent whole. It defines the relationships between words and establishes the logical flow of the sentence.