Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Reformulation

Definition: 

A reformulation is a self-repair by means of a paraphrase of the repairable item.

Examples: 

I need a new bolt for my oil pan, the bolt in the bottom for draining the oil.

The response to the other-initiation in the following exchange is also a reformulation:

  • A: I need a new bolt for my oil pan.
  • B: Which?
  • A: The big one underneath.
Source: 
329–330

Glossary Hierarchy