exocentric construction

linguistics

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June 26, 2026

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In linguistics, an exocentric construction is a phrase or compound that does not have the same grammatical function as its non-modifying immediate constituent. This is in contrast to an endocentric construction, where at least one constituent shares the same grammatical function as the whole construction.12

For example, in the phrase "in the yard," the entire phrase functions adverbially, indicating location. However, neither "in" nor "yard" individually functions as an adverbial phrase. Therefore, "in the yard" is an exocentric construction. Another example is the word "barefoot," which functions as an adverb but is not grammatically equivalent to "foot".1

Understanding constituent structure, which breaks down phrases into their component parts, helps identify exocentric constructions.2

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linguistics
Syntax
…according to the analysis, are exocentric. This is clear from the fact that in Figure 2 the letters at the nodes above every phrase other than the phrase A + B (i.e., “poor John,” “old Harry,” and so on) are different from any of the letters at the ends of…
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…according to the analysis, are exocentric. This is clear from the fact that in Figure 2 the letters at the nodes above every phrase other than the phrase A + B (i.e., “poor John,” “old Harry,” and so on) are different from any of the letters at the ends of…
Read More