Performative verbs are verbs that name their implementation, allowing English speakers to “do” what they describe by speaking the verb. They often describe verbal actions, such as asserting or affirming, and were more common in the past. Some residual uses can be found in formal legal proceedings, while others are more colloquial, such as “I tell you” or “I guess.”
A performative verb is a verb that names its implementation. In other words, when an English speaker uses a performative verb, she “does” what he is describing by simply speaking the verb. For example, when someone makes a verbal statement about something by saying “I claim this…” it is an example of a performative verb.
Performative verbs often describe an “action” that is verbal. A wide range of these “actions” apply to the English language. For example, there are many performative verbs related to the idea of ”asserting” or “affirming” something. Many of these are not as commonly used in English as they once were. Also, when used in modern English, they are less likely to function as performative verbs. Some examples of performative verb phrases that English speakers used to use are “I require that…”, “I avow…” and “Iaffer…”
Some other types of performative verbs refer to negative principles. For example, if someone says “I deny” in reference to some allegation, he is using “deny” as a performative verb. The phrase “I denounce…” is also this type of verb, but again, this phrase is probably not used in many modern English-speaking communities.
In general, performative verbs were much more common in past eras when the idea of announcing one’s actions was fashionable in the English language. Today, English speakers are less likely to verbally describe their thoughts this way. Some residual uses of performative verbs can be found in formal legal proceedings, for example, where someone may take an oath. Using “I swear” to swear or affirm something is performative.
Some uses of performative verbs are more colloquial than technical. For example, one such verb that has survived the ages is in the sentence “I tell you…” which usually precedes the act of saying something to someone. Here, the addition of the sentence is not important for the semantic meaning. It’s more like an exclamation or a filler in speech. However, this is a significant example of how these types of verbs are still used in the English language. Another interesting example is the use of the phrase “I guess” — some don’t consider it technically performative, but it generally fits the mold for these types of verbs, as do other phrases, such as “I believe” or, “I feel.” .
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