Each of the following illocutionary acts (cited between quotation marks) is
deviant--that is, it is infelicitous in some way, due to the
accompanying circumstances (described in parentheses). State exactly
what makes the act infelicitous.
To help you in formulating your remarks, you may refer to the chart "Types
of Illocutionary Acts" (found in your readings in the article by Searle;
the chart is toward the end of the article in the section entitled
"Extending the Analysis".)
1. "I request that you be in class on time
next Tuesday."
(You have never been late to class
yet.)
2. "Thank you for dropping by to see me."
(I really was thoroughly bored with
your visit and would have preferred to have spent the time alone.)
3. "For the final exam I advise you all to
study carefully this material on speech
acts."
(I have already made up the exam and
there are no questions whatsoever on speech acts.)
4. "I congratulate you on the suicide of your
cousin."
(I approach you as you are weeping at
the funeral.)
5. "What is a speech act?"
(I ask this question of any member of
our class, where it is not intended as an exam question.)
6. "I promise that if you get a passing grade
on the final exam, I will give you a passing grade for the course."
(I say this to a student who has done
passing work in the course all quarter.)
7. "UCSD is located in
(I mention this during a conversation
I am having with UCSD's chancellor.)
8. "Be careful when you crossed the street
yesterday."
(I issue this warning as you leave the
house.)
9. "I will take you to the movies next
Tuesday."
(Next Monday I plan on leaving for
10. "I order you to begin class 10 minutes
later next time."
(This command is given by a student
to his professor.)