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Do something and "win"

There are many ads around that say that you "win" if you do something, such as buy something or enter a competition. Here is a real example. This shows up in a Google search. They use the same phrase on TV.

Win a $7 MILLION Gold Coast Mater Prize Home Prize Package!

To me this sounds incorrect. Its sounds deterministic. Surely, what you are getting is a chance to win.

Is this usage wrong?

Answer*

Imperatives need not be orders/commands, guarantees, or (conditional) promises. They have a range of purposes and illocutionary force. For example:

• **Quips and ironic remarks**:

"You ask for the quickest way to be able to afford a yacht. It's simple. (Go) Win a $7 million dollar lottery!"  

(Mother to her child) "If you're bored, go hit you head against the wall!"

"Say *that* three times fast!" "Vote early and often!" "Take my wife, please!" "Look who's talking!" "Hold the front page!" "Get a room!"

• **Wishes** (sincere or not) and **Curses**: "Break a leg!" "Have a good time!" "Bless her heart!" "Go to hell!" "Damn you!" "Go fly a kite"/"Take a hike!" There is sometimes overlap with the (formulaic) subjunctive in these.

• **Instructions**: "Preheat the oven to 350 degrees." "Watch the birdie and say *cheese*!" "Use a No. 2 pencil" "Please be seated." "Think of a number from one to ten. Now double it and add five."

• **Offers, Invitations, and Permissions**: "Have a chocolate!" "Don't be a stranger-come back whenever you like!" "Try the sushi!" "Please start—don't wait for me!"

• **Exhortations and Horatives**: "Go team!" "Remember the Maine!" "Make love, not war!" "Take it easy!"/Hold your horses!" "Give 'em hell!" "Give me a break!"

• **Dares and Challenges**: "Say that again!" "Try me!" "Make me!" "Put up or shut up!" "Put your money where your mouth is!"

• **Warnings and Prohibitions**: "Beware the Ides of March" "Beware of the dog!" "Enter at your own risk!" "Don't push me!" "Don't even think about parking here!" "Handle with Care!"

• **Requests**: "Hold the door, please!" "Make that a double!" "Humor me" "Hit me" (in the game of blackjack) 

• **Advice**: "Lose the tie!" "Don't look down/be a hero/forget to smile!" "Don't bury the lede." "Save room for dessert!"

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1

Also, not listed, some can be understood as promises: "Enjoy modern leisure and peace of mind with a new Frigidaire electric icebox!"

Andy Bonner
– Andy Bonner

2025-12-05 17:19:30 +00:00
Commented 2 days ago
Yes, I thought the OP's question covered invites and promises (with no guarantee).

DjinTonic
– DjinTonic

2025-12-05 17:21:54 +00:00
Commented 2 days ago

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