What distinguishes semantics from syntax?

The distinction between semantics and syntax is primarily centered around their respective focuses within language. Semantics deals specifically with the meanings of words, phrases, and sentences, exploring how these meanings can change based on context, connotation, and the relationships between words. It indicates how language conveys concepts and ideas.

On the other hand, syntax refers to the rules and structures that govern how words are arranged to create well-formed sentences. It encompasses the grammatical frameworks that dictate how words combine to form phrases and sentences, thus emphasizing structural relationships rather than meanings.

This distinction is crucial in linguistics and communication studies, as understanding how these two components interact can greatly influence both language comprehension and production. Consequently, option B accurately captures the essence of semantics and syntax, making it the correct answer.