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?
Th example isn't even a complete sentence and is more like "headlinese". It should be read as an advertisement or an opportunity to do something, not a prediction of what will happen or a command to do so. Much like "Eat at Joe's" or "Buy now, pay later" are not literal commands to do so, or describing actual events that have already or definitely will occur, but are merely phrases advertising the fact that you have an opportunity to do those things (whether or not those things actually happen, or even if you personally get the opportunity yourself).
Written out in full sentences, you'll see phrases like "enter to win" or "you can win", or "a chance to win" - a random event generally won't use deterministic language saying you will win.
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!"
