Definition & Meaning of "combinatory categorial grammar"

What is "combinatory categorial grammar"?

Combinatory categorial grammar (CCG) is a formal approach to syntax and semantics that focuses on the way words and phrases combine to form sentences. CCG uses a system of categories that define how words can function and combine based on their grammatical properties. This framework allows for the direct mapping of syntactic structures to their meanings, making it particularly effective for analyzing the relationships between words and the roles they play in sentences. CCG emphasizes the importance of combinatory rules that dictate how different categories interact, providing insights into the dynamic nature of language and how meaning is constructed through combination.