The statement "Can you pass the salt?" is an example of a __________ speech act.
A)representative
B)directive
C)commissive
D)performative

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A directive speech act is a type of speech act in which the speaker tries to get the listener to do something, such as pass the salt. The other options are not applicable in this context - a representative speech act is used to convey information, a commissive speech act involves committing to a future action, and a performative speech act is used to perform an action (such as saying "I now pronounce you married" during a wedding ceremony).

The Statement "Can You Pass the Salt?" Is an Example