This research investigates path-locative constructions (PLoCs) in English, aiming to explore their role in facilitating conversion through the cognitive process of “mentioning,” closely tied to Sperber and Wilson’s (1986/1995) concept of “echoic mention”. The theoretical framework is based on the interaction of linguistic structures with cognitive processes, particularly echoic mention and conceptual metaphors. Methodologically, we analyzed PLoCs, such as [from X to Y] and [between X and Y], which combine path and location elements. We focused on identifying cases where constituents in the X and Y slots deviate from the traditional rule of nominalization after prepositions, exemplified by constructions like from happy to sad (ADJ → N) and from here to there (ADV → N). Our analysis differentiates between primary path-locative constructions (PPLoCs) and secondary path-locative constructions (SPLoCs), emphasizing the former. Results highlight instances of lexical recategorization from adjectives, adverbs, and verbs to nouns, termed inter-categorical conversion. Additionally, we identify six types of mention-induced conversion involving nouns, with four classed as noun-to-noun (N → N) intra-categorical conversions and the remaining two as hybrid conversions, blending intra- and inter-categorical changes. The semantic properties of X and Y fillers are examined to elucidate constructional constraints. Our findings underscore the importance of linguistic economy and adaptability in language change.