Restrictive ou appositive? - encore quelques remarques a propos des relatives

Abstract

The article concentrates on the problem of the description and classification of relative clauses, which is frequently discussed in specialist literature. Various grammar books and course books divide relative clauses into two basic types: restrictive relative clause (defining relative clauses) and non-restrictive relative clauses (non-defining relative clauses). Taking into consideration the conception of syntax based on semantic approach proposed by S. Karolak, the author considers the rightness of such a restrictive division of relative clauses and proposes the approach based on the category of use, demonstrating that one and the same clause may function as restrictive or non-restrictive depending on the context. The author provides the readers with many examples of such uses of restrictive clauses.