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single word requests - Is there a term for a self-fulfilling sentence?


I am wondering if there is a term for sentences that describe what the sentence accomplishes. For example, the phrase "I'm warning you." The sentence simultaneously does the warning and says it is warning.



Answer



They are performative utterances (sentences which do something in the world, rather than describing something about it). A few more examples...



  • I do (take this woman to be my lawful wedded wife) - in a marriage ceremony.

  • I name this ship the "Queen Elizabeth"

  • I give and bequeath my watch to my brother - in a will

  • I promise (anything, in the right context)


In something like This sentence contains five words, I suppose you could say that what the sentence does is introduce itself into the world, so it can be analysed (by itself, as it happens).


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