The Final-Over-Final Condition (FOFC) accounts for a strong cross-linguistic general-
ization whereby head-initial phrases are not dominated by head-final phrases. Giving an explanatory
analysis of this condition requires to determine whether it is a narrow syntactic or a PF phenomenon.
This paper explores an array of word order patterns in Basque which are different in root vs. em-
bedded clauses. These contrasts can be explained as FOFC-effects resulting from strategies that
ensure compliance when the syntax creates structures that potentially violate the FOFC. From there,
the FOFC is analyzed as a condition on head-initial phrases not being dominated by head-final
phrases if both host overt heads. When either of them hosts no overt head, compliance ensues.
Consequently, the FOFC is a PF phenomenon, sensitive to the specific positions in which heads
surface.