Abstract

This paper focuses on the use of relative clauses in Spanish written texts that either serve as an adjunct to the noun phrase or perform an incidental function. It evaluates how they are used in four discourse modes (narratives, descriptions, instructions and expositions). First, special attention is paid to the frequency of use and the differences observed in each text type. Secondly, the paper evaluates the performance of the different relative pronouns when they are used in restrictive or non-restrictive clauses and when they are used in clauses with or without an explicit antecedent. Thirdly, it concentrates on the morphological nature of verbs, paying special attention to the conditions that prompt writers to use the subjunctive.