primus

A Primer for Writing and Speaking in e-prime

Simply put, e-prime proper allows you to the use of the entire vocabulary of the English language with the following exceptions: be, is, am, are, was, were, been, being (as a verb), and the "to be" verb contractions of m's, 's and 're. To begin, you need only focus on the (simple) task of not using any of these words.

You may use general substitutes for forms of "to be" - seem(s), feel(s), act(s), look(s), etc. However, try not to overdo these terms.

Suggestion 1: If you find it difficult to compose a sentence in e-prime, refer to the basic "silent level" (how do I feel about it) experience and describe the actual event.

Examples:

The World of Null-A is a great book!
I really enjoyed reading the book The World of Null-A!

I am fine.
I feel fine.

This food is good.
This food tastes good.

Suggestion #2: Take an "is" statement at a high level of abstraction/assumption and bring it down to earth. Remove the assumptions and work with what you have left.

Examples:

Joan is wealthy.
Joan makes $500,000 a year.

Cleve is smart.
Cleve scored 160 on an I.Q. test.

Linda is helpful.
Linda helped me.

Suggestion #3: Replace the "is" with an action verb.

Examples:

David is a doctor.
David practices medicine.

Risa is a teacher.
Risa teaches epistemics.

He is a car mechanic.
He repairs cars.

Suggestion #4: Say what you mean.

Examples:

is Leia there?
Can I speak with Leia?

What is your name?
What do you call yourself?

How are you?
How do you feel?

Suggestion #5: Change the sentence from the passive to the active voice.

Examples:

It was done.
Olof did it.

The experiment was conducted...
Mike conducted the experiment...

Jack was blessed.
The Pope blessed Jack.

When first learning to speak in e-prime, you may have to mentally rehearse each sentence before you say it. For a while people might find your conversation a trifle limited, but they probably will not notice. Most people seem to like to hear themselves talk most of all, and they will appreciate your reticence!

I have also found it valuable to practice translating the statements of others into e-prime during conversations, and then echoing the e-prime statement back to the original speaker.

Comments & suggestions welcome!

---

Adapted from "SPEAKING IN E-PRIME: An Experimental Method for Integrating General Semantics into Daily Life", by E.W. Kellogg III, from Et cetera 44, no. 2 (1987)

Square

Hmm, something I have just noticed: you should change "Joan is smart" to "Joan is wealthy", as I hardly see how "being smart" helps making $500,000 a year.

(example #1 under suggestion #2)

primus

Thank you.

Michael

Sounds very good. I hate the passive voice. Microsoft Word always picks it up, and I never allow any spell check possibility in my work.

DadaKampol

This going at the "silent level" intrigues me. I'd have to look it up. It would benefit me to put into practice ways of noticing and building awareness.

crystalserenity101

How can you say "you are right" and "this can be true" in e-prime without making the other feel you think they lied when they spoke?

Marcio_Osorio

You are right = You have quickly/accurately predicted the outcome of this event/the solution of this equation.

This can be true = We regard this as likely to happen/occur.

Just a foreign guy's guess.

Chinmay

Karen

On this day, Thursday, I have completed all my proposals.

Chinmay

Karen

I would just answer in a word, the day of the week. What day is it today? Thursday.

Chinmay

__________________
☆¢нιηмαу☆`·.¸. The Rising ☆ of XI A5