[Q/A] What is the difference between endocentric and exocentric phrases?

Endocentric phrases are those expanded from a central element or head, having the same grammatical function as a head.

Endocentric phrases

They have three part structures:

Pre-modifier | Head | post-mofifier

Example: Many international  delegates   at the conference

                Pre-modifier              Head          post-modifier

Exocentric phrases

are those which can not be seen as expansion of a central element and their functions are varied.

Example: on the work, in the sky, under the table, at the conference.