In this article, I will investigate the semantic models construed by
relational clauses, more specifically by intensive and possessive clauses.
The approach followed will be the one pioneered by Halliday, viz. the
coupling of form and meaning. On the formal side, the main methods
used will involve lexical and grammatical selection restrictions and controlled
reformulation. On the semantic side, there will be input from semiotics
and grammatics. The case will be argued that intensive clauses construe
the semiotic models of instantiation and realization, while possessive
clauses construe models such as constituency and dependency.
