The described embodiments present techniques for recovering from syntax errors. These techniques correct potential errors while preserving the shape of the parse tree, and the specific implementation of the techniques can be automatically generated from the grammar. These techniques may operate by looking back at states associated with previously-received tokens to determine pair matching status, when a synchronizing symbol is received. The techniques can respond to the pair matching status determination by potentially adding a synthesized token or by deleting a token that has already been received. The techniques may use a structure referred to herein as a tuple to assist with the evaluation of the pair matching status. Some of the techniques utilize indentation information to evaluate the pair matching status, while other techniques ignore such information. The described embodiments also include a technique for automatically generating the tuples from a set of grammar rules associated with the parser.