Keywords
Abstract
This scientific article analyzes the mechanisms of expressing imperative speech acts in modern English from a broad pragmatic, linguistic, and sociolinguistic perspective.
Based on speech act theory (J. L. Austin, J. R. Searle), the study examines both direct and indirect forms of imperative speech acts, their grammatical structures, and communicative functions. It also explores the pragmatic roles of imperative sentences, modal verbs, indirect interrogative and declarative constructions, and lexical mitigation strategies. Context, social status, and intonation are identified as key factors shaping the meaning of directive acts. The findings indicate a growing dominance of indirect and polite forms over direct imperatives in modern English.