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transformational generative grammar

a type of generative grammar based on the idea that sentences have an underlying deep structure as well as the surface structure observable in speech or writing and that the former gives rise to the latter through the operation of a small number of transformational rules involving the movement, addition, and deletion of constituents. This approach to syntactic structures was pioneered by Noam Chomsky in the late 1950s as a means of supplementing the more limited analysis made possible by phrase-structure grammar. Also called transformational grammar. See also kernel sentence.

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Psychology term of the day

November 22nd 2024

substitution hypothesis

substitution hypothesis

see alteration hypothesis.