Searle's Classification of Speech Act As a response to Austin's Speech Act Theory, John Searle (1976), a professor from the University of California, Berkeley, classified illocutionary acts into five distinct categories. 1. Assertive - a type of illocutionary act in which the speaker expresses belief about the truth of a proposition. Some examples of an assertive act are suggesting, putting forward, swearing, boasting and concluding- a Example: No one can love you better than I do 2. Directive - a type of illocutionary act in which the speaker tries to make the addressee perform an action. Some examples of a directive act are asking, ordering, requesting, inviting, advising, and begging, Example: Please maintain the cleanliness of our school 3. Commissive - a type of illocutionary act which commits the speaker to doing something in the future, Exarnples of a commissive act are promising, planning, vowing, and betting, Example: From this moment on, I will love you and honor you for the rest of my life 4. Expressive - a type of illocutionary act in which the speaker expresses his/her feelings or emotional reactions. Some examples of an expressive act are thanking, apologizing, welcoming and deploring. Example: Thank heavens, you came to save me! I owe you my life.​