0
Roky0071 Posted 9 years ago
Grammar
Understanding the performative verbs
Performative Verb:
Definition:
A performative verb is a verb where saying it or writing it performs the action itself. If you say 'I resign', then saying it performs the act of resignation. In ceremonies like baptism, naming ships, etc, performative verbs are used. I found this description from a site. So I give an example below. Please help me clear my concept. "I enclose copies of our invoices and statements we have previously sent"
Now my questions are as follows
1. the verb "enclose" in the sentence above has been used performatively?
2. Is the definition is appropriate for performative verbs?
source:
1. https://www.facebook.com/Yarmouk.Center/posts/813425378675628
2. https://www.quora.com/Which-is-correct-formal-British-English-I-am-writing-you-to-let-you-know-or-I-am-writing-to-you-to-let-you-know
Definition:
A performative verb is a verb where saying it or writing it performs the action itself. If you say 'I resign', then saying it performs the act of resignation. In ceremonies like baptism, naming ships, etc, performative verbs are used. I found this description from a site. So I give an example below. Please help me clear my concept. "I enclose copies of our invoices and statements we have previously sent"
Now my questions are as follows
1. the verb "enclose" in the sentence above has been used performatively?
2. Is the definition is appropriate for performative verbs?
source:
1. https://www.facebook.com/Yarmouk.Center/posts/813425378675628
2. https://www.quora.com/Which-is-correct-formal-British-English-I-am-writing-you-to-let-you-know-or-I-am-writing-to-you-to-let-you-know
Top answer
roky0071 1. the verb "enclose" in the sentence above has been used performatively? No, because saying "I enclose" does not itself perform the action.
- roky0071 1.
- the verb "enclose" in the sentence above has been used performatively?
- No, because saying "I enclose" does not itself perform the action.
- You have to physically enclose the copies.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
6 Answers
0
roky00711. the verb "enclose" in the sentence above has been used performatively?No, because saying "I enclose" does not itself perform the action. You have to physically enclose the copies.
00
Only verbs that designate the saying (or writing) of words can be performatives. If you have to perform an action, for example, by moving parts of your body (other than those needed to say or write something), as when you enclose something in an envelope, it's not a performative.
.
CJ
.
CJ
00
You get me wrong. I did not say this " I enclose". I know saying this does not perform an action. This sentence was used in a job application form where I wanted to mention that I enclosed my photos, identity proof, etc. with that application form. Now could you tell me, in this case, has " I enclose" been used as performatively? if not then why these types of sentences used in the present simple
00
roky0071Now could you tell me, in this case, has " I enclose" been used as performatively?No.
roky0071if not then why these types of sentences used in the present simple form?Any verb can be used in the present simple tense. Using a verb in the present tense does not mean that it is a performative verb.
CJ
00
Ok. "I enclose copies of our invoices and statements we have previously sent". Could you tell me please the verb "enclose" here express
a. the present habitual event.
b. the past event.
c. the future event.
d. the immediate present event.
a. the present habitual event.
b. the past event.
c. the future event.
d. the immediate present event.
00
roky0071the verb "enclose" here expressesd. the immediate present event.
CJ
0
Related Questions