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Formula type Addressee Syntactic Primary intent Surface Token
type SP
a. Can/ could/ Unfamiliar Interro- Directive Direc- 1.Would you
would you people; people gative action tive hand me that
do? who fiffer in rank chart, please?
or who are 2.Can you
physically distant; move your bag
someone who is over there?
in his/her own 3.How about
territory; bringing me a
someone whose Pepsi when you
willingness to go to lunch?
comply is in
doubt
b. Imbedded Subordinates or Impera- Directive Direc- Let’s place an
imperative – familiar equals tive action tive order with them
Let’s do
4. Permission Someone who Directive May I have X?
directive might not comply; action Can I have my
also used when notes back?
there is an
obstacle to
compliance
5. Question Directive Is there any X?
directive – S action Do you have X?
asks a Q,
indirectly
implyinh
action of H
6. Hint – S hints Persons with Any Directive Asser- I don’t see X
a request shared rules such action tion/ Any here. What
as members of about the X?
the family, people
living together,
work groups

COMMISSIVES

Commit, pledge, undertake, engage, promise, hypothecate, guarantee, threaten, vow,
avow, swear, assure, certify, accept, agree, consent, acquiesce, abide, reject, refuse,
renounce, offer, counter-offer, bid, rebid, tender, dedicate, wager, contract, covenant,
subscribe

Refusal is called a negative commissive. The most common refusal formula is an
emphatic statement, a regret statement, and an excuse.