rewrite rule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / TechnicalAcademic, Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “rewrite rule” mean?
A formal rule in grammar, linguistics, logic, or computer science specifying how one string of symbols can be replaced by another.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal rule in grammar, linguistics, logic, or computer science specifying how one string of symbols can be replaced by another.
A directive that defines a transformation or substitution pattern, essential in generative grammar, formal language theory, and programming language compilers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference, but the concept is more frequently discussed in American computational linguistics literature.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “rewrite rule” in a Sentence
[Subject] applies a rewrite rule to [Object].The rewrite rule [Verb] transforms X into Y.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rewrite rule” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The parser will rewrite the string using rule 4.
- We need to rewrite the clause structure.
American English
- The compiler rewrites the intermediate code.
- You can rewrite the expression for clarity.
adverb
British English
- The transformation was applied rewrite-rule recursively.
- It functions rewrite-rule based.
American English
- The data is processed rewrite-rule style.
- It operates rewrite-rule fashion.
adjective
British English
- The rewrite-rule approach is fundamental.
- We need a rewrite-rule mechanism.
American English
- The rewrite rule system is efficient.
- A rewrite-grammar formalism.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in technical discussions of business process automation.
Academic
Common in linguistics, computer science, and logic papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in formal language theory, compiler design, and computational linguistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “rewrite rule”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “rewrite rule”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rewrite rule”
- Using 'rewriting rule' (less standard).
- Confusing it with a general style or editorial guideline.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In formal linguistics and computer science, yes, it's a specific type of formal grammar rule. In everyday language teaching, 'grammar rule' is much broader.
Yes: 'S → NP VP' means a Sentence can be rewritten as a Noun Phrase followed by a Verb Phrase.
Primarily in textbooks and research on formal grammars, automata theory, programming language semantics, and natural language processing.
In classic transformational grammar, a rewrite rule (phrase structure rule) builds deep structure, while a transformation (e.g., passive) maps one structure to another.
Rewrite rule is usually academic, technical, formal in register.
Rewrite rule: in British English it is pronounced /ˈriːˌraɪt ruːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈriˌraɪt rul/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not a hard and fast rule, more of a rewrite rule.”
- “Life doesn't follow a simple rewrite rule.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'REwrite' as 'REplace' + 'write' – it's a rule for replacing written symbols with other symbols.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRAMMAR IS ALGEBRA (rules transform symbols like equations).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'rewrite rule' LEAST likely to be used?