Abstract：Abstract: Grounding Element is an extremely important concept in the Grounding Theory. However, the definition of a grammar element as a grounding element remains controversial and there is misunderstanding in the academic world. The present study analyzes grounding element from five dimensions，namely, nature, construal, process, function, form and meaning. By looking into the qualities of relative words as grounding elements specifically, it is concluded that if a grammar element qualifies for a grounding element it should bear on its nature being epistemic, construal being subjective, process being grammaticalized, function being grammatical, and form and meaning being overt / convert / indirect and definite / quantificational. The findings are crucially valuable in improving the Grounding Element System and enriching the Grounding Theory.
Key words: grounding element; relative word; nominal; finite clause; cognitive ground
