What term describes the arrangement of words within a sentence?

The term that describes the arrangement of words within a sentence is "syntax." Syntax refers to the set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences in a given language, including how different parts of speech are organized to create meaningful expressions.

By understanding syntax, one can comprehend how word order affects the meaning of a sentence, as different arrangements can lead to different interpretations. For example, "The cat chased the dog" has a different meaning than "The dog chased the cat," demonstrating that the order of words is essential for clarity and comprehension in communicating ideas.

While "word order" is closely related to syntax and focuses specifically on the sequence of words, it is a more limited concept. "Phrase structure" pertains to how phrases are constructed within sentences but does not encompass the broader rules of word arrangement. "Grammar" is a general term that includes a wide range of linguistic rules and conventions, of which syntax is just one component. Thus, syntax is the most accurate term describing the overall arrangement of words within a sentence.