surface 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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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of surface structure

First recorded in 1960–65

Words nearby surface structure

surface of revolution, surface plate, surface-printing, surface-ripened, surface road, surface structure, surface tension, surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, surface-to-underwater, surface wave

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 Kennedy
The sub-surface structure, even though complex, can be readily read from one of these surface maps.
The Economic Aspect of Geology|C. K. Leith
Big 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012