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False tests

Expansion-based tests are not a reliable tool for distinguishing between syntactic constructions and compounds. Their operation ultimately depends on knowledge of semantic content and orthographic conventions. Under the delusion that syntactic rules are innate, however, faulty lexical analysis is often used to explain away conflicting evidence.

Example

A matchbox is not a box for matches (CGEL §14.4), but one in which matches are sold, with a striking surface on one side; 羊肉 is not equivalent to 羊的肉 (Chang: 277), but flesh of sheep used as food.