What is the primary focus of syntax in linguistics?

The primary focus of syntax in linguistics is on how words combine to form sentences. Syntax examines the rules and principles that govern the structure of sentences, including the arrangement of words, phrases, and clauses to create meaningful statements. This aspect of linguistics is crucial for understanding how different sentence constructions can convey different meanings or functions in communication.

While other choices touch on important linguistic concepts, they pertain to different areas of study. Emotional implications relate to semantics and pragmatics, which explore meaning beyond mere structure. The historical evolution of language falls under historical linguistics, and the study of word meaning in isolation aligns with semantics. Thus, syntax specifically addresses sentence structure, making the first option the correct choice.