formal grammar

noun

UK /ˈfɔː.məl ˈɡræm.ər/

US /ˈfɔːr.məl ˈɡræm.ɚ/

A formal grammar is a set of rules that tells you how to build correct sentences in a language.

The computer uses a formal grammar to check if the sentence is written correctly.

SYNONYMS

rule system grammar rules syntax rules formal system

RELATED WORDS

syntax parsing language linguistics automaton

OTHER MEANINGS

2. In computer science, a formal grammar is a precise set of rules used to define the structure of a programming language.

The compiler reads the formal grammar to understand the code.

3. In linguistics, a formal grammar is a mathematical model that describes which strings of symbols belong to a language.

Noam Chomsky introduced formal grammars to study natural languages.

4. A formal grammar can also mean a grammar written in a strict, official style rather than a casual one.

The textbook uses a formal grammar to explain sentence structure.