What term refers to the group of words and rules that compose an individual's working knowledge of a language?

• A. Linguistic set
• B. Lexicon
• C. Syntax
• D. Phonology

Answer: (A)

The thing being asked is what label names the mental system that includes both the words we know and the rules we use to put those words together. The best fit is linguistic set, because it refers to that broad working knowledge of a language—the words we know (vocabulary) plus the rules for combining them. Lexicon would point mainly to vocabulary itself, not the rules. Syntax covers the rules for sentence structure but not the complete store of words. Phonology deals with sounds. So linguistic set best captures both aspects of how we know and use language.