Abstract: This chapter proposes a different classification of the Greenbergian constituent order universals, which extends naturally to larger compendia. Based on this classification, it suggests that the best-known generalizations of this type, cross-categorial universals, arise most plausibly through language change (and thus are usually statistical). Two other types — hierarchical and derivational universals — are true candidates for principles of synchronic grammar.

Keywords: Greenbergian constituent order universals, language change, cross-categorical universals, hierarchical universals, derivational universals,