Conative Function Example

The conative function refers to a function of language use by which the sender expects to have a response from hers or his receivers, either as a response to the received message or as an action consequence of this message.

Through the conative function that exists in language, the person who emits a message has the intention of sending or questioning the receiver through the use of words in the imperative mood, or through interrogative statements that more than being a question are a requirement of answer.

The conative function of language is widely used in advertising and politicians make great use of it in their campaigns; This is because the intention of using it is that the receiver does something, or stops doing it, that is, it is about influencing in the behavior or conduct of the recipient inviting or inciting him to take some action or give a response determined.

This type of language is the one found in traffic signs and indications or in warning signs.

This type of language is also used in lectures and books of the "motivational" or "self-help" type, to provoke your audience to take an action related to your person, your work or the way you interact with others people. In these cases they also call it

A characteristic of the conative function applied to assertive language is the modification of sentences in which the person changes from a passive attitude (I am tired, I would like to have a coffee; I hope to finish work in the afternoon), to actively face the situation (I'm tired, I'll have a coffee; I'll finish the job at 4 in the afternoon). The conative function is also used in dynamic group calls to encourage the improvement of a work or process, changing or complementing phrases of obligation (we must finish the work today), with phrases of challenge or competition (We must finish today, we can achieve it!)

30 examples of conative functions:

1. They sit down and shut up! - This sentence is widely used by teachers in class, it is expected that the recipients of the message, that is, the students, take a seat and remain silent.
2. Vote for me! - This conative sentence is used by political candidates seeking to influence the electorate to vote for him. As can be seen in the two previous statements, the sender of the message expects an action in response to her request and does not seek to establish any type of dialogue.
3. Who broke the jug ?!
4. Where did you leave the remote control?! In these two sentences we can realize that they are questions to which an immediate verbal response is required from the people to whom they are addressed; in the first case, only the verbal responses, while in the second case, it can also involve an action to hand over the remote control.
5. What are you waiting to go buy bread?
6. Buy the Stain Remover detergent that really works.
7. Want Big Discounts? Go to Almacenes El Grande!
8. Take the wheel and drive!
9. Do you want me to get out of the wheelchair and go get him?
10. Read the instructions and answer the test.
11. Go running.
12. Are they going to vote again for the same system?
13. Buy 2 liters of milk.
14. How do you want to lose weight if you keep eating like this?
15. If you go to the store, do you bring some cream?
16. Throw that ball!
17. Don't smoke in this place.
18. High voltage. No Trespassing!
19. Taking pictures is prohibited.
20. Read chapter 11 and tomorrow you have a summary.
21. No parking.
22. The floor is wet, don't go into the kitchen.
23. Who emptied the refrigerator?
24. Let me know when you arrive!
25. Today I will finish early.
26. Bring your resume and we'll talk.
27. Fasten seat belts!
28. Let's share the good news we just heard.
29. Let's work together!
30. Pick up this dump!