Illocutionary acts are a key concept in linguistics that refer to the intended meaning behind a speaker's words. When someone says something, they are not just conveying information; they are also performing an action through their speech. For example, when a person says, "Can you pass the salt?" they are not merely asking a question but actually making a request for the salt. These acts are important in understanding communication because they reveal how language can influence social interactions. The context and tone of the conversation can change the illocutionary act. For instance, saying "I promise" is not just a statement but an act of commitment, showing how language shapes our relationships and intentions.