A Linguistics Workbook, 4th Edition

Name

Section

8.6 Performative Verbs versus Perlocutionary Verbs

A performative utterance describes the act being performed. For example, in the

sentence I predict that it will rain the performative verb predict names the act of

predicting; given the right beliefs and intentions, the speaker could, in uttering this

sentence, be making a prediction. A perlocutionary utterance, on the other hand, is

intended to include an effect on the hearer. For example, in the sentence She

persuaded Mary that the argument was solid, the perlocutionary verb persuade

describes an act of causing someone to believe or do something (in this case, the

act of causing Mary to believe that the argument was solid). In certain syntactic

environments the presence of a perlocutionary verb yields an oddity. For example,

it is odd to say I (hereby) persuade you to leave.

Examine sentences 1-10, and answer the questions that follow.

1. I (hereby) promise to be there.


2. I (hereby) suggest that you leave.


3. I (hereby) convince you that I am right.


4. I (hereby) warn you not to come any closer.


5. I (hereby) incite you to be angry.


6. I (hereby) forbid you to enter this room.


7. I (hereby) inspire you to write beautiful music.


8. I (hereby) amuse you with this story.


9. I (hereby) order you to be quiet.


10. I (hereby) provoke you to punch me.

Questions

A. Which underlined verbs in 1-10 are performative verbs? Give your reasons.