What is defined as a set of rules that dictates how words can be combined in a language?

The correct response identifies syntax as a critical component of language that governs the structure of sentences. It establishes how words and phrases are ordered and combined to create meaningful expressions within a particular language. Syntax is fundamental for achieving clarity and coherence in communication, as it allows speakers and writers to form sentences that conform to the grammatical norms of their language.

Phonetics refers to the sounds of speech and how they are produced, rather than the arrangement of words. Morphology focuses on the structure and formation of words, including prefixes, suffixes, and the rules of word construction, but it does not address how those words are organized into phrases and sentences. Semantics, on the other hand, is concerned with meaning—the study of how words, phrases, and sentences convey meaning—but does not set rules for structuring those elements. Therefore, syntax uniquely fits the description of a set of rules for combining words within a language.