a HackerNoon project
Original · left

Syntax (linguistics)

The arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences.

First in use: the 1500s
Duplicate · right

Syntax (programming languages)

The rules defining valid structure in a programming language.

First in use: the 1950s

Syntax / Syntax (linguistics) / Syntax (programming languages)

Loading data…
Canonical todayMeasuring…
Status—
Duplicate share · 12 mo—
Last crossover—
Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Grammar vs. syntax errors.

Which meaning of Syntax is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Syntax (linguistics) came first (the 1500s). Syntax (programming languages) arrived in the 1950s. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Syntax (linguistics)Syntax (programming languages)
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

Share-of-attention line loads here.

The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · the 1500s

Syntax (linguistics)

Loading the Wikipedia definition…

12-mo pageviews—
Year over year—
Peak month—
Duplicate · the 1950s

Syntax (programming languages)

Loading the Wikipedia definition…

12-mo pageviews—
Year over year—
Peak month—

More duplicated terms

Programming & software