Syntax error at or near [keyword]

Common SQL Errors

Syntax

This error occurs when the SQL parser encounters a keyword, operator, or character it doesn’t expect—typically due to missing or misplaced syntax elements like commas, parentheses, or clauses.

PostgreSQL

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Typical Error Message

ERROR: syntax error at or near "X" Where "X" is the unexpected keyword or character.

Explanation

This error means the SQL engine couldn’t parse the query due to invalid syntax. It stops at the token it doesn’t understand and throws a message like:

‍ERROR: syntax error at or near "FROM" LINE 1: SELECT name FROM WHERE age > 25;

Common causes include:

Missing or misordered SQL clauses
Misplaced commas or parentheses
Reserved words used as column or table names
Incomplete expressions (e.g., a JOIN without an ON)
Query written for a different SQL dialect (e.g., MySQL vs PostgreSQL)

The error message tells you where the parser got confused, though the actual mistake might be a few characters before the flagged location.

Common Causes

Missing keywords like FROM, SELECT, ON, or VALUES

Trailing or misplaced commas

Unmatched quotes or parentheses

Using reserved words as identifiers without quotes

Mixing syntax from other SQL dialects

Writing clauses in the wrong order (e.g., WHERE before FROM)

Related Errors

ERROR: column "x" does not exist

ERROR: relation "table" does not exist

ERROR: syntax error at end of input

FAQs

Q: What does “at or near” mean in the error?
A: It tells you where the parser got stuck. The actual issue might be just before that keyword or character.

Q: Can different SQL dialects cause this error?
A: Yes—syntax like LIMIT, AUTO_INCREMENT, or backticks may work in MySQL but not in PostgreSQL or SQL Server.

Q: How do I debug a long query with this error?
A: Comment out sections and run piece by piece to isolate the problem. Format your SQL to make structure clearer.