Definition
An illocutionary verb is a verb that, as part of its meaning, expresses
- at least one illocutionary force, or
- a quality of some component of illocutionary force.
Examples
(English)
- Assert expresses an assertive illocutionary point.
- Advise expresses a directive illocutionary point.
- Announce does not express a particular force, but appears to refer, in part, to a high degree of strength of sincerity conditions.
- Insinuate cannot be used as a performative verb, but is, nevertheless, an illocutionary verb useful in reporting illocutionary acts secondhand.
Sources 1
- Searle and Vanderveken 1985, 179–182