What would be an example of a syntactic error?

A syntactic error occurs when the rules that govern sentence structure and grammar are not followed correctly. In this context, using a noun where a verb should be is a clear example of a syntactic error because it disrupts the intended grammatical structure of a sentence. This misplacement affects how the sentence is understood, as nouns and verbs play different roles in conveying meaning. For instance, saying "The cat run quickly" instead of "The cat runs quickly" creates confusion and demonstrates an error in syntax.

The other options pertain to different aspects of language. Incorrect spelling falls under orthographic errors, while mispronouncing a word relates to phonetic errors. Confusing similar-sounding words, like "their" and "there," involves lexical or semantic confusion rather than syntax. Thus, the emphasis on correct sentence structure highlights why the choice regarding the noun and verb is indeed the example of a syntactic error.