A Note on Replies

Abstract

In G. Lakoff (1972) it is proposed that the logical form of sentences should include representation of illocutionary forces, viz.,

$$\left\{ {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {{\text{order}}} \\ {{\text{ask}}} \\ {{\text{state}}} \\ \end{array} } \right\}\left( {x,y,S_1 } \right),$$

where the performative verbs are predicates, x and y are arguments to be carried by grammatical rules into I and you respectively, and S₁ is the direct object of the higher verb and, when expanded, will represent the propositional content of S.