e-prime - View Single Post - e-prime: The Basics

e-prime · 11-17-2005, 07:17 AM

e-prime: The Basics

"e-prime" refers to a modified version of the English language that prohibits the use of the verb "to be" in all its forms.

The verb 'to be' has several distinct functions:

* identity, of the form "noun be noun" [The dog is an animal]
* predication, of the form "noun be adjective" [The dog is furry]
* auxiliary, of the form "noun be verb" [The dog is sleeping]; [The dog is bitten by the mouse]
* existence, of the form "noun be" [There is a dog]
* location, of the form "noun be place" [The dog is on the mat]

The original founder of e-prime sees specifically the "identity" and "predication" functions as pernicious, but advocates eliminating all forms for the sake of simplicity.

e-prime speakers avoid using all forms of "to be", which include the following:

be, being, been, am, is, isn't, are, aren't, was, wasn't, were, weren't, I'm, you're, we're, they're, he's, she's, it's

e-prime speakers do use following words as they do not derive from forms of "to be".

become, has, have, I've, you've, do, does, doing, did, can, could, will, would, shall, should, ought

Example

About e-prime (explained in e-standard or standard English)

e-prime is English without "to be". e-prime is a great way to express yourself more clearly.

e-prime is your guarantee for linguistic rationality and your insurance against unclear thoughts and superstition.

e-prime is a new language for a better world.

About e-prime (explained in e-prime)

e-prime, the complete omission of the verb "to be" from the English language, empowers you to express yourself more clearly.

e-prime enforces linguistic rationality and prevents unclear thoughts and superstition.

Widespread use of e-prime could change our understanding of each other for the better.

e-prime.com

e-prime.com allows you to practice your e-prime in a relaxed discussion environment. Our forum software automatically identifies remnants of e-standard so you can immediately edit your posts until they consist of pure e-prime only.

We also discuss ways to improve, enhance and promote e-prime.

Join us now!

11-17-2005, 07:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
e-prime Administrator Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 5	e-prime: The Basics e-prime: The Basics "e-prime" refers to a modified version of the English language that prohibits the use of the verb "to be" in all its forms. The verb 'to be' has several distinct functions: * identity, of the form "noun be noun" [The dog is an animal] * predication, of the form "noun be adjective" [The dog is furry] * auxiliary, of the form "noun be verb" [The dog is sleeping]; [The dog is bitten by the mouse] * existence, of the form "noun be" [There is a dog] * location, of the form "noun be place" [The dog is on the mat] The original founder of e-prime sees specifically the "identity" and "predication" functions as pernicious, but advocates eliminating all forms for the sake of simplicity. e-prime speakers avoid using all forms of "to be", which include the following: be, being, been, am, is, isn't, are, aren't, was, wasn't, were, weren't, I'm, you're, we're, they're, he's, she's, it's e-prime speakers do use following words as they do not derive from forms of "to be". become, has, have, I've, you've, do, does, doing, did, can, could, will, would, shall, should, ought Example About e-prime (explained in e-standard or standard English) e-prime is English without "to be". e-prime is a great way to express yourself more clearly. e-prime is your guarantee for linguistic rationality and your insurance against unclear thoughts and superstition. e-prime is a new language for a better world. *About e-prime (explained in e-prime)* e-prime, the complete omission of the verb "to be" from the English language, empowers you to express yourself more clearly. e-prime enforces linguistic rationality and prevents unclear thoughts and superstition. Widespread use of e-prime could change our understanding of each other for the better. e-prime.com e-prime.com allows you to practice your e-prime in a relaxed discussion environment. Our forum software automatically identifies remnants of e-standard so you can immediately edit your posts until they consist of pure e-prime only. We also discuss ways to improve, enhance and promote e-prime. Join us now! Last edited by e-prime : 11-26-2005 at 01:27 AM.