Constraint-based syntax

Constraint-based syntax is a linguistic approach that describes sentence structures based on specific rules or constraints governing how words can be combined. Instead of focusing on a fixed order, it emphasizes the relationships and compatibility between words and phrases, allowing for flexible arrangements as long as the constraints are satisfied. This method helps explain why certain sentence patterns are acceptable and others aren't, by focusing on the underlying rules that guide sentence formation, rather than just the sequence of words. It offers a systematic way to understand the structure of language based on permissible relationships.