SQL Error: Invalid Syntax (Fix + Examples)

Getting the "syntax error at or near "keyword"" error in SQL? This guide explains what causes this error and how to fix it with practical examples.

What Causes This Error?

The invalid syntax error (42601) occurs when:

• Missing comma between column names
• Missing keyword (SELECT, FROM, WHERE)
• Unclosed parentheses or quotes
• Using reserved keywords as identifiers without quotes
• Missing semicolon at statement end

How to Fix It

1. Check for missing commas between columns in SELECT clause.
2. Verify all parentheses are properly closed.
3. Ensure strings are properly quoted.
4. If using reserved words as column names, wrap them in quotes.

Example: Wrong vs Correct

❌ Code That Causes the Error

SELECT name salary FROM employees;
-- Error: syntax error - missing comma

✅ Corrected Code

SELECT name, salary FROM employees;
-- Correct: comma separates columns

Quick Checklist

• [ ] Verify column/table names are spelled correctly
• [ ] Check data types match expected values
• [ ] Review query syntax for missing keywords
• [ ] Ensure referenced tables/columns exist

Related SQL Errors

If you're troubleshooting SQL errors, you might also encounter: