A technique for generating a new equivalent phrase for an input phrase includes receiving a first input phrase for natural language expansion. Tokens that correspond to parts of speech are generated for the first input phrase. An original grammar tree is generated using at least some of the tokens. One or more alternate grammar trees are generated that are different from the original grammar tree but substantially equivalent to the original grammar tree. One or more synonyms for at least one of the tokens are generated. Finally, one or more new phrases are generated based on the one or more alternate grammar trees and the one or more synonyms.