Grounds-exhortation

Last updated: Dec. 12, 2025

Definition

The difference between grounds-CONCLUSION and grounds-EXHORTATION is

illocutionary force/purpose: one is a statement, the other a command.

English uses so and therefore.

English examples

  • The car is filthy, so you need to wash it.
  • The floor is clean, so keep it that way.
  • Peter likes fish, therefore give him some.
  • Be quiet, so I can sleep

Kovol examples

With ombo

  • “Ologuwo yogonongg ege yis ombo usomb hala lumas”
    “Afterwards, they (the missionairies) will go with us, so carefully hold on to this.”

Potentially implicit

  • “Skul ege startim pigug. Wog ndugandum teng wogonongg libas.”
    “We will start school, (therefore) all their children must come.”
  • Om yot tuguga. Su om yab nog tabas.”
    “He did wrong. (Now) today go down and come back with her.”

Kovol description

A statement followed by ombo and an imperative.

Degree of confidence

Low

Most of Steve's examples in DA were not grounds-exhortation, but rather contents of the exhortation an so probably equivalent.
Steve and Philip both suggest a statement followed by an imperative with no explicit linkage.

Our team should elicit some examples:

  • The fire has gone out, so get wood.
  • It is late, so sleep.
  • It is going to rain, so do not go.
  • The smoke is going into my eyes, so remove that fire wood.
  • The baby is hungry, therefore feed him.
  • That papaya is ready, so get it.
  • The pig is a big head, so hit it hard.