Which term refers to the rules that determine how words are arranged to create phrases and sentences?

The term that describes the rules governing the arrangement of words to form phrases and sentences is syntax. This component of linguistics is essential in understanding sentence structure and grammar, as it dictates how different parts of speech come together to convey meaning effectively.

For example, in English, the typical sentence structure follows a subject-verb-object order, which is a fundamental aspect of the syntax within the language. Understanding syntax is key to constructing grammatically correct and comprehensible sentences, as it ensures that the relationships between words are clearly established, allowing for effective communication.

Morphology deals with the structure of words themselves and how they can be formed or modified but does not address the placement of those words within sentences. Phonemics focuses on the sounds of speech and how they combine to create phonemes, while semantics relates to the meaning of words and sentences rather than their structure. Syntax is crucial in forming coherent and logical expressions, which is why it is the correct choice in this context.