jussivehortative

Jussivehortative is a linguistic term used in typology to describe a single mood or closely related morphosyntactic forms that encode exhortation and volition. It combines two related functions: jussive, which covers commands, requests, or permissions in subordinate contexts; and hortative, which urges a speaker-inclusive group to act, typically rendered as let us. In languages that display this pattern, a common verb form or particle marks the intended force across moods.

Realization varies across languages. Some place a distinct finite form on the verb; others realize it as a subjunctive or jussive morphology, sometimes accompanied by particles. The mood is characterized by imperatival force without a direct second-person imperative, or by inclusive exhortation in the first person plural. In English, sentences such as Let us go or Let him go are often cited as hortative and jussive uses of the same construction with the particle let, illustrating the combined function.

Relation to other moods: the jussivehortative is related to the imperative and the subjunctive, but it is distinguished by its explicit volitional or exhortative force rather than pure mood-shifting. In some grammars, it is treated as a subtype of the subjunctive; in others, as a separate mood or construction. The concept is mainly used in typology and cross-linguistic description, and its exact realization varies from language to language.