Phrase structure rules are like grammar rules that help us make sure sentences make sense. They tell us what words we can use, what order they should be in, and how they should be connected together. For example, a phrase structure rule might tell us that a certain sentence should start with a noun and then have a verb. Then it might say that the verb should be followed by another noun. That way, we can make sure sentences sound right when we say them and make sense when we read them.