?SYNTAX ERROR
Commodore VIC-20
Severity: MinorWhat Does This Error Mean?
?SYNTAX ERROR on the VIC-20 means BASIC could not understand the command you typed. The VIC-20 uses the same BASIC V2 as the Commodore 64, so the error codes and causes are identical. Type LIST to review the offending line and look for the mistake.
Affected Models
- Commodore VIC-20
- Commodore VIC-20CR
- VICE emulator (VIC-20)
Common Causes
- Misspelled BASIC keyword (e.g. PRITN instead of PRINT)
- Missing or misplaced punctuation — quotes, commas, or brackets
- Variable name that starts with or contains a BASIC keyword
- Typing a command that does not exist in Commodore BASIC V2
- Pasting code from a modern editor that inserts invisible Unicode characters (VICE emulator)
How to Fix It
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Type LIST and press RETURN to see the line that caused the error.
BASIC shows the line number next to the error. LIST displays the full line so you can spot the typo.
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Check for misspelled keywords.
Common mistakes: PRITN for PRINT, INPTU for INPUT, GO TO instead of GOTO. BASIC V2 keywords must be spelled exactly.
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Make sure all quotes are properly paired.
Every opening quote must have a closing quote. PRINT "HELLO is missing its closing quote — one of the most common VIC-20 syntax errors.
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Retype the line from scratch using its line number.
Type the line number followed by the corrected statement and press RETURN. For example: 10 PRINT "HELLO WORLD"
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VIC-20 BASIC the same as Commodore 64 BASIC?
Yes — both use Commodore BASIC V2, licensed from Microsoft. The commands, error messages, and syntax are identical. The only practical difference is the VIC-20's much smaller available memory (3.5KB vs 38KB).
Can I use BASIC keyword abbreviations on the VIC-20?
Yes. Like the C64, the VIC-20 supports typing the first letter of a keyword followed by the Shift version of the second letter. For example, P followed by Shift+R types PRINT. This saves keystrokes but the full keyword is stored in memory.