Relational Vs. Existential Process

Let me start this post with an example. Let’s have a look at the following clauses.

(a) There is my fiancee on the line.

(b) There is my fiancee.

Both clauses (a) and (b) are similar. Both start with there, both use is (be). Actually, they are different. They represent different experience. Clause (a) is existential clause, while clause (b) is a relational clause. How are they different?

Existential process usually contains a circumstantial element of time or place. In clause (a), on the line is an example of circumstantial element of place. When this element is the Theme, like in:

(c) On the line there is my fiancee.

the Subject there can be omitted, but it will turn up in the tag.

(d) On the line is my fiancee, isn’t there?

Existential clause shows the existence of something, while relational clause shows the attribute (in this case, the location) of something. In other words, the response to clause (a) will be Is there?. This is because, in clause (a) the Subject is there. Meanwhile, the response to clause (b) will be Oh, is she? or Oh, is he? because the subject of clause (b) is my fiancee.

Now, let us compare the following clauses. Which one is relational and which one is existential clause?

1. The picture is on the wall.
2. On the wall there is a picture of a knight.
3. A picture of a night hangs on the wall.

I will be happy to read what you think. Please don’t hesitate to hit the comment button and type your interpretation. For further reference, please consult Halliday 2004, p. 256-258.