Instrumentaldativelike

Instrumentaldativelike is a term used in linguistic typology to describe a class of constructions in which a single form or construction encodes both instrumental meaning (means by which an action is performed) and dative-like semantics (recipient, beneficiary, or goal). It is not a standard, universal category; rather, it is a descriptive label applied in specific grammars to account for overlap between instrumental and dative patterns.

The form may be a case marker, a postposition, clitic, or a syntactic particle. When used with a verb, it conveys instrumental meaning and, in some contexts, a beneficiary or recipient function, producing a hybrid interpretation. The same form can appear with ditransitives to mark the recipient while also serving as the instrument for the action.

Cross-linguistically, instrumentaldativelike patterns may arise through semantic broadening, syncretism, or grammaticalization, often reflecting a grammatical economy where instrument and dative-like roles are not strictly distinct. Its behavior may be sensitive to aspect, valency, or voice; for example, a form might be obligatory with certain verbs or optional with others.

Researchers distinguish it from pure instrumental or dative by examining selectional restrictions, compatibility with verbs, and the range of semantic readings. Corpus or elicitation data, diachronic change, and cross-language comparison help determine whether a form is truly instrumentaldativelike or simply a case of polysemy or alignment.

Because instrumentaldativelike is not a universally defined category, its exact definition varies across grammars. It is most useful as a heuristic for describing overlap between instrument and dative semantics, and it highlights how case systems can merge functional domains in the boundary areas of syntax and semantics.