Glossary of Linguistic Terms

Illocutionary Force

Definition: 

Illocutionary force is the combination of the

  • illocutionary point of an utterance, and
  • particular presuppositions and attitudes that must accompany that point, including the
    • strength of the illocutionary point
    • preparatory conditions
    • propositional content conditions
    • mode of achievement
    • sincerity conditions, and
    • strength of sincerity conditions.
Kinds: 
Examples: 

(English)

Illocutionary force distinguishes the following types of acts:

  • Asserting
  • Promising
  • Excommunicating
  • Exclaiming in pain
  • Inquiring
  • Ordering
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