parsing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "parsing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of analyzing or interpreting data, text, or code, often in computer science or linguistics. Example: "The software is capable of parsing large datasets to extract meaningful information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I spent so much of Monday watching the ridiculous Broadchurch countdown banner ads that I'd managed to guess the entire plot just by parsing each decontextualised snippet for clues.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

From involved voters to the devoted followers who make up Ready for Warren, a grassroots group trying to lay the groundwork for her potential presidential bid, the "Run, Liz, run!" crowd is parsing the senator's every word.

The Guardian

For example, consider the following JSON object: This would be represented as the following list in Scheme (depending on which parsing library you use): This is the point most people get a bit scared.

The Guardian

Mr Hands decided to pre-empt the inevitable and turn his attention to managing the other companies he owns.In this section Protests and the pump Parsing prices Suspended animation Roll up, roll up Green fleeces, red faces The magical misery tour Vorsprung durch exports ReprintsCiti immediately cleansed EMI's balance-sheet, reducing its debt from £3.4 billion to £1.2 billion.

The Economist

Nagging depression drives her to seek the services and the arms of a psychiatrist, Morel, the evangelical secularist.Mr Rush is a master at parsing the seemingly casual exchange between true intimates.

The Economist

And we're now to the point where stonewalling, obfuscating, spinning, parsing, and generally preventing the flow of truthful information are accepted and acknowledged parts of the job description (standard disclaimer about these things also being endemic to politics itself notwithstanding).

The Economist

Mr Axelrod writes: "The change she was offering was not away from Washington's habit of parsing words and passing on tough issues (She habitually sought safe harbour)." Nor was she willing to break with a system full of lobbyists and deep-pocketed political action committees, he adds.

The Economist

Ms Gee, an Australian-born assistant professor of English at Princeton University, writes well about sex and is excellent at parsing the emotions that rage behind the masks.

The Economist

For weeks the media have been parsing and probing Barack Obama's recent decision to endorse gay marriage.

The Economist

Mr Clinton could not say "good morning" without people parsing the remark for its political meaning.

The Economist

Although newspapers across the region splashed it over their front pages, and TV talk shows rattled on into the wee hours parsing the implications, interest faded quickly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "parsing", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to syntactic analysis, data processing, or a more general form of interpretation. Use specific language to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "parsing" as a generic substitute for "analyzing" or "understanding" in contexts where a more precise term would be appropriate. "Parsing" implies a structured approach to breaking down information, which may not always be the case.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "parsing" is as a noun, often referring to the act or result of analyzing a string or sentence into its components. As Ludwig shows, it can also function as a gerund, the present participle of "parse".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "parsing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term that is often applied in computer science, linguistics, and general contexts involving the analysis and interpretation of complex data. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and common usage. While "parsing" specifically refers to the structured breakdown of information, it is crucial to avoid overgeneralization and use more precise terms when appropriate. Its presence in authoritative sources like The Economist, The Guardian, and the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy underscores its validity and relevance across multiple domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

analysis

Emphasizes a detailed examination of something.

interpretation

Focuses on explaining the meaning of something.

decoding

Highlights the process of converting something into an understandable form.

understanding

Stresses the comprehension of the meaning.

examination

Indicates a careful inspection or study.

breakdown

Suggests dividing something into smaller parts for analysis.

extraction

Focuses on retrieving specific information from a larger source.

assessment

Involves evaluating or judging the value of something.

evaluation

Highlights the process of determining the significance or worth of something.

scrutiny

Emphasizes a critical and detailed examination.

FAQs

How is "parsing" typically used in computer science?

In computer science, "parsing" refers to the process of analyzing a string of symbols, either in natural language or in computer code, according to the rules of a formal grammar. It's essential for compilers and interpreters to understand and execute code correctly.

What does "parsing" mean in linguistics?

In linguistics, "parsing" involves analyzing the grammatical structure of a sentence. This includes identifying the parts of speech, phrases, and clauses, and understanding how they relate to each other to convey meaning.

What's the difference between "analyzing" and "parsing"?

"Parsing" is a specific type of "analyzing" that involves breaking down complex information into smaller, understandable parts according to a set of rules or grammar. "Analyzing" is a more general term that can refer to any form of examination or evaluation.

Can "parsing" be used in contexts outside of computer science and linguistics?

Yes, while "parsing" is commonly used in technical fields, it can also be used more broadly to describe the process of carefully examining and interpreting complex information, such as "parsing the implications" of a political decision or a financial report.