transformational grammar

noun

1. a system of grammatical analysis, especially a form of generative grammar, that posits the existence of deep structure and surface structure, using a set of transformational rules to derive surface structure forms from deep structure; a grammar that uses transformations to express the relations between equivalent structures.

transformational grammar

noun

1. a grammatical description of a language making essential use of transformational rules. Such grammars are usually but not necessarily generative grammars Compare systemic grammar case grammar

Word History and Origins

Origin of transformational grammar¹

First recorded in 1960–65