Expressives are a type of speech act that convey the speaker's emotions or feelings about a situation. They are often used to express joy, sorrow, gratitude, or regret. Common examples of expressives include phrases like "I'm sorry," "Thank you," or "Congratulations." These statements focus on the speaker's emotional state rather than providing information or making requests.
In linguistics, expressives are distinct from other speech acts such as assertives, directives, or commissives. They play a crucial role in communication by allowing individuals to share their internal experiences and connect with others on an emotional level. Understanding expressives can enhance interpersonal relationships and improve effective communication.