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!