What is Syntax?

Syntax in literature is the way in which words and sentences are placed together in the writing. In the English language, the syntax usually follows a pattern of subject-verb-object agreement. Texts with sentences that follow this pattern are easier for beginning readers because when decoding words they often ask the “does it sound right” question. It takes a more experienced reader to easily understand syntax that is deliberately changed by an author to achieve a different effect (lyrical, rhythmic, rhetoric or questioning).