Grammatical Patterns in Engagement in the Appraisal Theory

The present article is concerned with the realization of engagement in the appraisal system from the perspective of lexis as the most delicate grammar.First, we study how we can look at engagement in the appraisal system from a grammatical perspective, focusing on the grammatical patterns and features realizing the engagement categories.Secondly, we study the patterns of grammar together with the lexis for the realization of engagement in the appraisal system and rate their degree of grammaticality and lexicality.Thirdly, we study how the different types of subcategories of engagement in the appraisal system are realized in lexicogrammar.Finally, we discuss how the lexicogrammatical patterns are related to the semantic categories of engagement in the appraisal.It is found that:1) the original theoretical model of the appraisal system was mainly designed according to position, so a voice system should be added.2) Lexis and grammar realizing engagement in the appraisal system form a continuum.3) The authorial voice is the dominant voice and the other voices are also selected by the author.4) The closer the position of engagement to the polarity, the stronger the monologicity, the closer is it to dialogic contraction, and the fewer the choices of both voice and position.It is hoped that the study may shed light on the relationship between lexicogrammar and discourse semantics in terms of engagement in the appraisal system, and make it easier for the identification of the related subcategories of engagement in the appraisal system.