1. SPEECH ACT THEORY:
Direct and Indirect

2. Sentence Structure
Sentences can be classified based on the structures into:
Declarative sentence
It is a sentence in which the subject precedes the finite.
For example:
It is cold in here.
Interrogative sentence
It is a sentence in which the finite precedes the subject.
Can you bring the washings in?
What can I do for you?
Imperative sentence
It is a sentence beginning with finite.
Close the window.

3. Sentence Function
Sentences can be classified based on the functions into:
Statement
It is a sentence primarily used to convey information.
For example:
It is cold in here.
Question
It is a sentence primarily used to elicit information.
Are you in charge of the garbage?
Who is responsible for the garbage?
Command
It is a sentence primarily used to tell someone to do something.
Close the window.

4. Direct Speech Act Utterance Structure Function You closed the window.
When we speak we do mean exactly the same as the literal meaning of what we say, we make a direct speech act.
Utterance
Structure
Function
You closed the window.
Declarative
Statement
Did you close the window?
Interrogative
Question
Close the window.
Imperative
Command

5. Indirect Speech Act
When we intend something which is quite different from the literal meaning of what we say, we make an indirect speech act.
For example:
Imagine a friend comes to visit, and you are busy finishing writing an assignment. You might say ‘There’s a beer in the fridge’. As you said this, you are most likely making than just a statement. You may also be offering him something to drink, as well as suggesting he helps himself to it.
When someone says ‘Can you pass the salt?’. Here he is not asking about your ability to pass the salt – the literal meaning of the sentence – but requesting you to pass the salt.

6. Direct and Indirect Speech Acts
Utterance
Speech Act
Direct or Indirect
The garbage isn’t out yet
Request
Indirect
Could you take out the garbage?
Would you mind taking out the garbage?
Are you in charge of the garbage?
Please take out the garbage
Direct
I request you to take out the garbage

7. Performative Verb
One way in which a particular speech act might be identified is through the use of a performative verb: that is, a verb which ‘names’ the speech act or illocutionary force of an utterance.
For example:
Utterance
Performative Verb
Speech Act
I warn you of the dog
warn
warning
I promise not to be late
promise
promising
I bet you five dollars our team will win today
bet
betting
I request you to take out the garbage
request
requesting

8. Explicit and Implicit Performative
Speech acts which contain a performative verb are often direct speech acts since they perform their function in a direct and literal manner.
Austin makes a distinction between explicit performatives and implicit performatives.
An explicit performative is a sentence which contains a verb that names the speech act.
For example:
I order you to shut up. (= an order)
An implicit performative is a sentence which does not contain a performative verb.
Shut up. (= an order, a warning, or an advice)