Your browser does not fully support modern features. Please upgrade for a smoother experience.
Submitted Successfully!
+1 credit
Thank you for your contribution! You can also upload a video entry or images related to this topic.
For video creation, please contact our Academic Video Service.
Video Upload Options
We provide professional Academic Video Service to translate complex research into visually appealing presentations. Would you like to try it?
Cite
If you have any further questions, please contact Encyclopedia Editorial Office.
Office, E.E. Generative Grammar. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60900 (accessed on 23 October 2026).
Office EE. Generative Grammar. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60900. Accessed October 23, 2026.
Office, Encyclopedia Editorial. "Generative Grammar" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60900 (accessed October 23, 2026).
Office, E.E. (2026, October 13). Generative Grammar. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/60900
Office, Encyclopedia Editorial. "Generative Grammar." Encyclopedia. Web. 13 October, 2026.
Copy Citation
Generative Grammar
EditGenerative grammar is a formal approach to linguistic theory that characterizes grammar as a system of rules or principles capable of generating and describing the structural properties of sentences in a language [1]. It aims to represent the implicit linguistic knowledge that enables speakers to produce and understand an unlimited number of grammatical expressions, treating grammatical competence as an abstract system distinct from particular instances of language use [1]. Generative grammar encompasses theories that analyze linguistic structure through formal mechanisms, including representations of syntax and the constraints governing possible grammatical structures [2].
generative linguistics
grammatical competence
syntax
formal grammar
Help expand this entry
Share your expertise by adding detailed content and references to improve this entry.
Add content
References
- Chomsky, Noam. 1965. Aspects of the Theory of Syntax. MIT Press. https://www.colinphillips.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/chomsky1965-ch1.pdf
- James McCloskey; Noam Chomsky. Lectures on government and binding. The Pisa lectures. Studies in generative grammar, no. 9. Foris Publications, Dordrecht and Cinnaminson, N.J., 1981, ix + 371 pp. - Noam Chomsky. Lectures on government and binding. The Pisa lectures. Second edition of the preceding. Studies in generative grammar, no. 9. Foris Publications, Dordrecht and Cinnaminson, N.J., 1982, ix + 371 pp.. J. Symb. Log. 1986, 51, 238-240. [CrossRef]
More
Information
Subjects:
Language & Linguistics
Contributor
MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register
:
View Times:
1
Entry Collection:
Language and Linguistics
Revisions:
2 times
(View History)
Update Date:
22 Oct 2026
Table of Contents
Notice
You are not a member of the advisory board for this topic. If you want to update advisory board member profile, please contact office@encyclopedia.pub.
OK
Confirm
Only members of the Encyclopedia advisory board for this topic are allowed to note entries. Would you like to become an advisory board member of the Encyclopedia?
Yes
No
${ textCharacter }/${ maxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
Back
Comments
${ item }
|
${ item.createdUser.fullName }
${ item.createdAt }
${ item.vote }
${ item.reply }
Delete
${ reply.createdUser.fullName }
${ reply.createdAt }
${ reply.vote }
Delete
There is no reply to this comment~
${ item.replyTextCharacter }/${ item.replyMaxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
More
No more~
There is no comment~
${ textCharacter }/${ maxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
${ selectedItem.replyTextCharacter }/${ selectedItem.replyMaxCharacter }
Submit
Cancel
Confirm
Are you sure to Delete?
Yes
No