What is the difference between pragmatics and syntax?

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What is the difference between pragmatics and syntax?

Pragmatics and syntax are both subfields of linguistics, but they focus on different aspects of language.

Syntax refers to the study of the structure and arrangement of words and phrases to form grammatically correct sentences. It deals with the rules and principles that govern how words are combined to create meaning. Syntax is concerned with the grammatical structure of language and how it influences the interpretation of sentences.

On the other hand, pragmatics is the study of how context influences the meaning of language. It examines how language is used in real-life situations and how meaning is conveyed through factors such as tone, gestures, and shared knowledge. Pragmatics is concerned with the social and cultural aspects of language use, including the intentions of the speaker, the expectations of the listener, and the context in which communication takes place.

In summary, while syntax focuses on the grammatical structure of language, pragmatics explores how language is used in different contexts to convey meaning.