Which term describes the rules governing the structure of sentences in communication?

The term that refers to the rules governing the structure of sentences in communication is syntax. Syntax is a fundamental aspect of language that deals specifically with how words combine to form phrases and sentences, setting the framework for grammatically correct and meaningful utterances. Understanding syntax allows us to analyze not just the formation of sentences, but also how different arrangements of words can change the meaning of those sentences.

Phonology, on the other hand, focuses on the sounds of language and how they are organized and used in speech. Morphology pertains to the structure of words and the way in which their forms are constructed from morphemes, the smallest units of meaning. Semantics deals with the meaning of words, phrases, and sentences rather than their structural arrangement. Each of these areas plays a crucial role in language, but syntax specifically addresses sentence structure, making it the correct choice for the question asked.