The spelling of the term "formal syntax" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. It is pronounced as /ˈfɔːrməl ˈsɪntæks/. The initial sound /f/ is pronounced with the lips and teeth, followed by the vowel sound /ɔː/ which is pronounced with an open mouth. The sound /m/ is pronounced by closing the lips together and making a humming sound, followed by the sound /əl/ which is a schwa sound. The final sound /sɪntæks/ is pronounced with the tip of the tongue touching the back of the teeth.
Formal syntax refers to a set of rules and guidelines that are established to define the structure and organization of formal languages, specifically those used in mathematics, logic, computer science, and linguistics. It is concerned with describing the syntactic structure of a language, ensuring that expressions and statements adhere to a predefined format and pattern.
In computer science and mathematics, formal syntax provides a strict and unambiguous way of describing the syntax of programming languages and formal systems. This involves defining the rules for constructing valid expressions, statements, and program structures, while also specifying the order and hierarchy of various elements. Formal syntax often employs notations such as Backus–Naur form (BNF) or extended Backus–Naur form (EBNF) to represent these rules.
In linguistics, formal syntax focuses on the grammatical rules and principles that govern the structure of natural languages. It involves the study of phrase structure, sentence structure, and the relationships between different components of a sentence. Formal syntactic analyses often employ formalisms like phrase structure rules, transformational rules, or dependency grammars to describe the hierarchical and structural organization of language.
Overall, formal syntax provides a rigorous framework for describing and analyzing the structure and organization of formal languages, helping to ensure consistency, clarity, and precision in mathematical, logical, computational, and linguistic domains.
The word "formal" originates from the Latin word "formalis", which means "of or pertaining to form". The term "syntax" has its roots in the Ancient Greek word "sýntaxi", meaning "arrangement" or "order". In combination, the phrase "formal syntax" refers to a set of strict rules or structure governing the arrangement or ordering of elements within a formal system or language.