---
title: "What is a syntax error in SQL? Give an example."  
description: "What is a syntax error in SQL? Give an example."  
author: "Sandra Emily"  
published: 2023-08-20  
updated: 2023-08-21  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159599/what-is-a-syntax-error-in-sql-give-an-example  
category: "mssql server"  
tags: ["exception handling", "sql server", "sql", "error"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# What is a syntax error in SQL? Give an example.

What is a syntax [error in SQL](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159607/describe-an-out-of-memory-error-in-sql-server)? Give an example.

## Replies

### Reply by Aryan Kumar

A [syntax error](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159519/explain-the-syntax-error-and-logical-error-classifications-in-c-providing-examples-of-each) in [SQL](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/13115/types-of-keys-in-sql-or-oracle-database) is an error in the structure of a SQL statement. This can be caused by a missing keyword, a misspelled word, or an incorrect punctuation mark.

For example, the following SQL statement is missing the keyword `FROM`:

SQL

```plaintext
SELECT *
FROM customers;
```

This will cause a syntax error because the database does not know which table to select the data from.

Another example of a syntax error is the following SQL statement, which uses the wrong keyword for the `UPDATE` statement:

SQL

```plaintext
UPDATE INSERT customers
SET name = 'John Doe';
```

This will cause a syntax error because the keyword `UPDATE` is used instead of the keyword `INSERT`.

Syntax errors can be avoided by carefully checking the syntax of your SQL statements. You can also use a SQL syntax checker to help you identify syntax errors.

Here are some other examples of syntax errors in SQL:

- Using a reserved word as a column name.
- Using a keyword in the wrong place.
- Using the wrong data type for a column.
- Missing a semicolon at the end of a statement.

If you encounter a syntax error, you need to identify the cause of the error and take steps to fix it. Here are some possible solutions:

- Check the syntax of your SQL statement carefully.
- Use a SQL syntax checker.
- Break down your SQL statement into smaller parts.
- Ask for help from a database expert.

By following these tips, you can help to avoid syntax errors and keep your SQL queries running smoothly.


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159599/what-is-a-syntax-error-in-sql-give-an-example

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