phrase-structure rule

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noun Linguistics.

a rule that generates a sentence or other syntactic construction from words and phrases and identifies its constituent structure.

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showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

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Compare rewrite rule.

Words nearby phrase-structure rule

phraseograph, phraseologist, phraseology, phrase structure, phrase-structure grammar, phrase-structure rule, phrase structure tree, phrasing, phratry, phreak, phreaking

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use phrase-structure rule in a sentence

This same outlet worked the phrase “engagement to toyboy lover” into the headline of their article on Fry.
Freaking Out About Age Gaps in Gay Relationships Is Homophobic|Samantha Allen|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In front of this strange structure are two blank-faced, well-dressed models showing off the latest in European minimalism.
New York’s Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion|Nina Strochlic|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Obviously, the first obligation of all liberal democratic governments is to enforce the rule of law.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive|Ayaan Hirsi Ali|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In 2007, Huckabee said he stood by these earlier remarks, but would phrase them differently.
The Devil in Mike Huckabee|Dean Obeidallah|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST

And so the same creeping rot of the rule of law that the administration has inflicted on immigration now bedevils our drug laws.
Obama’s Pot Policy Is Refer Madness|James Poulos|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
All elements of expression modify each other, so that no mere rule can cover all cases.
Expressive Voice Culture|Jessie Eldridge Southwick
As a rule, however, even in the case of extreme varieties, a careful examination of the specimen will enable it to be identified.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
He set down as the second the golden rule, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them.”
The Giant of the North|R.M. Ballantyne
Hence arise factions, dissensions, and loss to their religious interests and work; and these intruders seek to rule the others.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
This impulse to extend rule appears more plainly in many of the little ceremonial observances of the child.
Children's Ways|James Sully

British Dictionary definitions for phrase-structure rule

phrase-structure rule

noun

generative grammar a rule of the form A → X where A is a syntactic category label, such as noun phrase or sentence, and X is a sequence of such labels and/or morphemes, expressing the fact that A can be replaced by X in generating the constituent structure of a sentenceAlso called: rewrite rule Compare transformational rule

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012