Understanding Syntax Errors in Python: Causes Examples, and How to Fix?

Understanding Syntax Errors in Python: Causes Examples, and How to Fix?

• January 14, 2026
• 0 Comments
• 969 Views
• Stuart Green

When you’re coding in Python, encountering a “syntax error” can be one of the most common obstacles you’ll face. These errors occur when the Python interpreter cannot understand the code you’ve written because it doesn’t adhere to the proper syntax rules of the language. In this guide, we’ll explore what a syntax error means, common examples of syntax errors in Python, and how to fix them to get your code running smoothly.

What Does a Syntax Error Mean in Python?

In programming, syntax refers to the set of rules that defines the structure of valid statements in a language. If your code breaks these rules, Python will raise a “SyntaxError,” indicating that something is wrong with how the code is written. This can range from missing punctuation to misplaced keywords or incorrect formatting.

For example, in Python, if you forget to close a parenthesis, you’ll likely encounter a SyntaxError: unexpected EOF while parsing. This tells you that Python reached the end of your file and couldn’t find the proper closure for the open parentheses.

Common SyntaxError Examples in Python

Here are a few examples of basic syntax errors you might encounter in Python:

1. Missing Colon in Conditional Statements

if x > 10
print(“x is greater than 10”)

In this case, Python expects a colon after the if statement. The correct version is:

if x > 10:
    print("x is greater than 10")

Unmatched Parentheses or Brackets

print("Hello, World!"
Here, the closing parenthesis is missing, which results in a SyntaxError. The fixed code should look like:

print("Hello, World!")

Incorrect Indentation

Python uses indentation to define the structure of the code, and inconsistent indentation will lead to a SyntaxError:

def my_function():
print("Hello")

The correct indentation would be:

def my_function():
    print("Hello")

SyntaxError in SQL and Python

Sometimes, you might encounter a syntax error in SQL when writing queries. For example, if you forget to specify a table name or use incorrect SQL keywords, you might see an error like “You have an error in your SQL syntax.” This is a similar concept to Python’s invalid syntax errors, though the specific causes are different due to the rules of SQL.

If you're trying to integrate Python with SQL, you could encounter a syntax error near unexpected token if there’s an issue with how the SQL query is formatted within your Python code. For instance, an extra comma, missing quote, or wrong order of clauses could trigger such an error.

How to Fix Syntax Errors

Check for Typos and Missing Characters
The first step in fixing a syntax error is to carefully read through the line where the error was raised. Look for common mistakes like missing colons, parentheses, or quotes.

Use Proper Indentation

Python relies heavily on indentation. Ensure you’re using consistent indentation (typically 4 spaces per indentation level) to define code blocks such as loops, conditionals, and functions.

Check for Matching Parentheses, Brackets, and Quotes
Make sure that every opening parenthesis, square bracket, or quote has a matching closing counterpart. This is one of the most common sources of SyntaxError in Python.

Review Your Logic and Syntax Rules

If your code runs into an invalid syntax error, check that you’re following Python’s syntax rules. For example, Python does not allow semicolons at the end of statements, unlike some other programming languages.


Syntax errors are a normal part of coding in Python, and they often stem from simple mistakes like typos or improper formatting. By understanding what invalid syntax means, looking at common syntax error examples, and following best practices for coding in Python, you can quickly identify and fix these issues. Whether you're dealing with a simple typo or a more complex error, always read the error message carefully—Python will usually give you a pretty good idea of where the problem lies!

By practicing good syntax habits and double checking your code, you’ll minimize the chances of encountering syntax errors, and when they do occur, you’ll be able to solve them with ease.