What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
syntactic
Example
The syntactic structure of this sentence is incorrect. [syntactic: adjective]
Example
She is studying the syntactic rules of English grammar. [syntactic: adjective]
structural
Example
The structural integrity of the building was compromised after the earthquake. [structural: adjective]
Example
He is interested in the structural design of bridges. [structural: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Structural is more commonly used than syntactic in everyday language. Structural is a versatile word that can be applied to various fields, while syntactic is more technical and specific to the study of language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between syntactic and structural?
Both syntactic and structural are technical words that are commonly used in academic or professional contexts. However, syntactic may be considered more formal due to its association with linguistics and language studies.