Definition & Meaning of "arc pair grammar"

What is "arc pair grammar"?

Arc pair grammar is a linguistic framework that focuses on the representation of syntactic structures through the use of arc pairs, which are relationships between words in a sentence. Developed by David R. Dowty, this theory emphasizes the idea that syntax can be understood as a network of connections, where words are linked based on their grammatical roles and functions. Arc pairs consist of a head word and its dependent elements, capturing the hierarchical relationships within phrases. This framework allows for a clear representation of syntactic structures and helps to analyze how different elements of a sentence interact and contribute to overall meaning.