7. A method in a computer system for parsing an input segment, the input segment comprising words, the method comprising: identifying syntax rules to be applied to a current partial parse of the input segment; applying the identified syntax rules to the current partial parse of the input segment; determining whether thrashing is occurring in the applying of the identified syntax rules; and when it is determined that thrashing is occurring, selecting a portion of the input segment on which to focus the applying of syntax rules; and adjusting the identifying of syntax rules so that rules that are to be applied to the selected portion are identified.
7. A method in a computer system for parsing an input segment, the input segment comprising words, the method comprising: identifying syntax rules to be applied to a current partial parse of the input segment; applying the identified syntax rules to the current partial parse of the input segment; determining whether thrashing is occurring in the applying of the identified syntax rules; and when it is determined that thrashing is occurring, selecting a portion of the input segment on which to focus the applying of syntax rules; and adjusting the identifying of syntax rules so that rules that are to be applied to the selected portion are identified. 12. The method of claim 7 wherein the selecting of a portion is based on a minimal path length of the words of the input segment.