Ever wondered why some conversations feel awkward whilst others flow... Show more
Biology
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
389
•
11 Jan 2026
•
Understanding Politeness Theory in English Language
Aleksandra Golowska
@hola_soy_ola
1 / 5
Understanding Pragmatics and Politeness
Pragmatics goes beyond just understanding words - it's about how context shapes meaning in real conversations. Unlike semantics (which only looks at word meanings), pragmatics considers the full picture of who's talking, where, and why.
Being positive in conversation involves compliments, showing interest, and using "please" and "thank you." However, negative behaviours like ignoring someone, being judgemental, or name-calling create Face Threatening Acts (FTAs) - basically, actions that damage someone's social image.
Key politeness features include taking turns rather than dominating conversations, avoiding imperatives (commands that sound bossy), and using interrogatives (questions) instead. Declarative statements work well for sharing information without seeming pushy.
Top tip: Simply saying "please" isn't enough - true politeness requires reading the social situation and adapting your communication style accordingly.
Advanced Politeness Strategies and Grice's Theory
Modal verbs make your language more tentative and polite ("Could you possibly..." rather than "Do this"). Code switching between formal and informal language shows social awareness - you wouldn't speak to your head teacher the same way you'd chat with mates.
Paul Grice's Co-operative Principle (1967) explains how we understand hidden meanings in conversations. When someone says "John is meeting a woman tonight," we might infer she's not his wife or sister - that's conversational implicature at work.
Even during arguments, we unconsciously cooperate conversationally to achieve mutual understanding. The literal meaning often differs from the implied message, like when "I'll think about it" really means "probably not happening."
Remember: Successful communication relies on both speakers working together, even when they disagree on the topic itself.
Grice's Four Maxims
Grice identified four conversational maxims (rules of thumb) that guide effective communication. The Quantity maxim means providing just the right amount of information - not too much, not too little.
Quality requires honesty - don't say things you believe are false. Relation keeps conversations relevant without random topic changes. Manner emphasises clarity - avoid being ambiguous, obscure, or unnecessarily complicated.
Violating maxims happens accidentally, whilst flouting maxims involves deliberately and obviously breaking them. Writers can apply these principles to texts as well as spoken conversations.
Breaking these rules can create confusion or humour, but we often interpret apparent breaches to make conversations make sense anyway.
Key insight: Understanding when someone's flouting maxims helps you grasp their real meaning, like recognising sarcasm or indirect refusals.
Face Theory and Social Personas
Erving Goffman's Face Theory (1955) explores expressions like "losing face" and "saving face." Your face is the positive social image you present in conversations - it changes depending on the situation and audience.
Crucially, your face is maintained by your audience, not yourself. Others accept the persona you're presenting and show sensitivity towards it. This happens through appropriate forms of address and speaking in ways that match your social relationship.
Face maintenance involves understanding conventions for different situations - from accepting invitations to beginning conversations properly. Turn-taking demonstrates respect for others' social image.
Different contexts require different faces - you might present yourself as a knowledgeable student in class, then switch to being a supportive friend afterwards.
Social awareness tip: Pay attention to the face others are trying to present, and help maintain it through your responses and behaviour.
Politeness Principles in Practice
Lakoff's Politeness Principle (1975) established three key rules: don't impose on others ("Sorry to bother you"), give people options rather than demands, and make the receiver feel good about themselves.
Brown and Levinson developed this into positive and negative politeness strategies. These help us show regard for others' face whilst achieving our communicative goals.
Off record communication uses implicature to hint rather than directly state something ("It's a bit cold in here" instead of "Close the window"). On record statements are direct but risk seeming rude or creating FTAs.
On record with redressive action combines directness with face-saving measures - you communicate clearly but include something to counteract potential social damage.
Strategic communication: Choose your approach based on the relationship, context, and potential face threat - sometimes indirect hints work better than direct requests.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Register
Most popular content in English Language
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Politeness Theory in English Language
Aleksandra Golowska
@hola_soy_ola
Ever wondered why some conversations feel awkward whilst others flow naturally? Politeness theory explains how we use language to maintain relationships and avoid social disasters. It's all about understanding the hidden rules of communication that help us navigate everything from... Show more
Understanding Pragmatics and Politeness
Pragmatics goes beyond just understanding words - it's about how context shapes meaning in real conversations. Unlike semantics (which only looks at word meanings), pragmatics considers the full picture of who's talking, where, and why.
Being positive in conversation involves compliments, showing interest, and using "please" and "thank you." However, negative behaviours like ignoring someone, being judgemental, or name-calling create Face Threatening Acts (FTAs) - basically, actions that damage someone's social image.
Key politeness features include taking turns rather than dominating conversations, avoiding imperatives (commands that sound bossy), and using interrogatives (questions) instead. Declarative statements work well for sharing information without seeming pushy.
Top tip: Simply saying "please" isn't enough - true politeness requires reading the social situation and adapting your communication style accordingly.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Advanced Politeness Strategies and Grice's Theory
Modal verbs make your language more tentative and polite ("Could you possibly..." rather than "Do this"). Code switching between formal and informal language shows social awareness - you wouldn't speak to your head teacher the same way you'd chat with mates.
Paul Grice's Co-operative Principle (1967) explains how we understand hidden meanings in conversations. When someone says "John is meeting a woman tonight," we might infer she's not his wife or sister - that's conversational implicature at work.
Even during arguments, we unconsciously cooperate conversationally to achieve mutual understanding. The literal meaning often differs from the implied message, like when "I'll think about it" really means "probably not happening."
Remember: Successful communication relies on both speakers working together, even when they disagree on the topic itself.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Grice's Four Maxims
Grice identified four conversational maxims (rules of thumb) that guide effective communication. The Quantity maxim means providing just the right amount of information - not too much, not too little.
Quality requires honesty - don't say things you believe are false. Relation keeps conversations relevant without random topic changes. Manner emphasises clarity - avoid being ambiguous, obscure, or unnecessarily complicated.
Violating maxims happens accidentally, whilst flouting maxims involves deliberately and obviously breaking them. Writers can apply these principles to texts as well as spoken conversations.
Breaking these rules can create confusion or humour, but we often interpret apparent breaches to make conversations make sense anyway.
Key insight: Understanding when someone's flouting maxims helps you grasp their real meaning, like recognising sarcasm or indirect refusals.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Face Theory and Social Personas
Erving Goffman's Face Theory (1955) explores expressions like "losing face" and "saving face." Your face is the positive social image you present in conversations - it changes depending on the situation and audience.
Crucially, your face is maintained by your audience, not yourself. Others accept the persona you're presenting and show sensitivity towards it. This happens through appropriate forms of address and speaking in ways that match your social relationship.
Face maintenance involves understanding conventions for different situations - from accepting invitations to beginning conversations properly. Turn-taking demonstrates respect for others' social image.
Different contexts require different faces - you might present yourself as a knowledgeable student in class, then switch to being a supportive friend afterwards.
Social awareness tip: Pay attention to the face others are trying to present, and help maintain it through your responses and behaviour.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Politeness Principles in Practice
Lakoff's Politeness Principle (1975) established three key rules: don't impose on others ("Sorry to bother you"), give people options rather than demands, and make the receiver feel good about themselves.
Brown and Levinson developed this into positive and negative politeness strategies. These help us show regard for others' face whilst achieving our communicative goals.
Off record communication uses implicature to hint rather than directly state something ("It's a bit cold in here" instead of "Close the window"). On record statements are direct but risk seeming rude or creating FTAs.
On record with redressive action combines directness with face-saving measures - you communicate clearly but include something to counteract potential social damage.
Strategic communication: Choose your approach based on the relationship, context, and potential face threat - sometimes indirect hints work better than direct requests.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
14
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Key Concepts in English Language
Explore essential frameworks of English language including grammar, semantics, phonology, and discourse. This summary covers key elements such as lexis, graphology, and pragmatics, providing insights into language structure and meaning. Ideal for A-level students preparing for AQA assessments.
English Language12
Paris Comparison Grids
Explore detailed planning grids designed for essay writing on comparison questions related to Parisian literature and culture. This resource covers key texts such as 'Les Fleurs du mal', 'La Haine', and 'The Emigree', focusing on stylistic analysis, audience-specific tone, and figurative language. Ideal for AQA exam preparation.
English Language12
Mastering English Language Techniques
Explore essential techniques for analyzing English language and literature, including figurative language, grammar, narrative methods, and vocabulary enhancement. This comprehensive guide covers key concepts such as syntax, stylistic analysis, and audience context, equipping students with the skills needed for effective language analysis and literary critique. Ideal for exam preparation and deepening understanding of English language structures.
English Language12
Most popular content: Register
Most popular content in English Language
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user