The chapter introduces the idea of using networks inspired by Systemic Functional Grammar to model the relationship between constructions that express a semantic field. The example used in the chapter is Causation. From the work described in chapter 3, 105 verb argument constructions are identified as expressing Causation. A preliminary division is made between causing an action, causing a state, and causing a change in thought or emotion. Finer distinctions within each are then identified, with these distinctions being explained and modelled in taxonomies or Meaning Networks. Finally, the features that contribute to those networks are identified and expressed as independent choice networks, referred to as Systemic Networks.

The chapter explains the process of building Meaning Networks and Systemic Networks, as described in chapter 6, for two semantic fields: Cognition and Communication. The identification of these fields is inspired by the Systemic Function Grammar processes: mental and verbal. The Cognition field is divided into Emotion (53 constructions), Perception (9 constructions) and Thought (92 constructions). Following an overview, the Communication field is divided into communication about a future action (Communication: Action) (21 constructions) and communication about information (Communication: Information) (82 constructions). For each semantic field, the constructions are described as they relate to one another. Their significant features are identified and expressed in Systemic Networks. The distinctions or choices between the constructions are modelled in taxonomies or Meaning Networks.

The chapter explains the process of building Meaning Networks and Systemic Networks, as described in chapter 6, for four semantic fields inspired by the concept of material process and a further two semantic fields inspired by the concept of relational process. The fields are: Change, Creation, Location_change, Possession_transfer, Equivalence, Logical_relation. For each semantic field, the constructions are described as they relate to one another. Their significant features are identified and expressed in Systemic Networks. The distinctions or choices between the constructions are modelled in taxonomies or Meaning Networks.