illocutionary force

Illocutionary force refers to the intention behind a statement or utterance in communication. It goes beyond the literal meaning of words to encompass what the speaker aims to achieve, such as making a promise, giving an order, or expressing an opinion. For example, saying “Can you close the door?” has the illocutionary force of a request, even though it sounds like a simple question. Understanding illocutionary force helps clarify how people interpret and respond to spoken or written communication, emphasizing that the meaning often lies in the speaker's intent rather than just the words themselves.