Which aspect of language deals with the rules and structure that govern sentence formation?

The correct answer is B because syntax specifically refers to the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. It encompasses the rules that govern sentence structure, including the order of words and how various components of a sentence fit together to convey meaning. Syntax is essential for understanding how different phrases can alter the meaning of a sentence, contributing to clear and effective communication.

Phonetics relates to the sounds of speech and how they are produced, which is not directly about sentence structure. Semantics involves the meaning of words and sentences, focusing on understandings around meaning rather than their structural formation. Morphology deals with the internal structure of words and how they are formed from morphemes, which are the smallest units of meaning. While all these aspects are important in the study of language, only syntax directly addresses the rules governing how sentences are formed.