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surface structure
See the most commonly confused word associated with deep structure
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noun Linguistics.(in transformational-generative grammar)
a structural representation of the final syntactic form of a sentence, as it exists after the transformational component has modified a deep structure.Compare deep structure.
the string of words that is actually produced.
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Origin of surface structure
First recorded in 1960–65
Words nearby surface structure
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use surface structure in a sentence
It merely shows the surface structure, shows some of the fibers, and shows an imperfection.
Warren Commission (4 of 26): Hearings Vol. IV (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President KennedyThe sub-surface structure, even though complex, can be readily read from one of these surface maps.
The Economic Aspect of Geology|C. K. LeithBig telescopes make it possible for us to see in detail the surface structure of the moon.
Common Science|Carleton W. Washburne
British Dictionary definitions for surface structure
surface structure
noun
generative grammar a representation of a string of words or morphemes as they occur in a sentence, together with labels and brackets that represent syntactic structureCompare deep structure
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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