With the intent of improving clarity, directness, and honesty, users of English-Prime (E-Prime) simplify the English language by omitting the verb "to be," along with its conjugates (i.e., am, are, is, was, were, been, being.) "Be," which does not exist in all languages (i.e., Lakota-Dakota), promotes passive, ambiguous language that can confuse or mislead recipients who have sensitivity to subtle judgments, implications, or untruths.
“To exist or not to exist? I ask this question.”–translated Hamlet, William Shakespeare
Language Influences Perception
Compare “E-Prime is best” with the E-Prime translation, “I prefer E-Prime,” or "I prefer to use E-Prime." Note the shift in meaning. Users of E-Prime language take responsibility for the action or idea. They clearly attribute who did it with what the doer did or thought or felt, etc. Use of E-Prime promotes active voice, honest, clear, nonjudgmental communication. It requires the speaker to think carefully before putting thoughts into words.
Even when a listener recognizes that a speaker or writer communicates from a personal perspective, the listener may respond defensively when he or she hears an opinion worded as a fact, implied by a "to be" verb. The use of E-Prime reduces this possibility by clearly and concisely communicating the source of the thought. For example, compare "Unschooling is great," with the E-Prime translation, "Unschooling works for me," "I favor unschooling," or "I enjoy unschooling." Note the shift in meaning between an opinion stated as a fact to a factual statement of opinion. The latter more clearly conveys the speaker's acceptance of responsibility for the opinion.
E-Prime illustrates common advice for clear, effective writing.
- Show don't tell.
- Make every word count.
- Use active language.
Advanced Fiction Writing provides further tips for improving the strength of writing, such as "push the limits."
E-Prime Translations
"My children are unschoolers" may translate to "My children unschool" or "My children learn through life’s experiences."
The ambiguous sentiment, "Just be" may translate to "Just do," "Just relax," "Just exist," or further distinctly to "Focus on your breath" or "Attend to the moment."
Users of E-Prime typically allow the word "because," a compound of "cause to be," because in common usage, the word doesn't always translate literally as "cause to be." The word "because" typically serves to further clarify a speaker's meaning by pointing to the cause. As long as the "be" in "because" remains neutral, "because" conforms to the spirit of E-Prime.
The phrase, "for the reason that. . . " could substitute for "because," however, why substitute a four-word phrase for one E-Prime-conforming word?
Some E-Prime users argue for the acceptance of gerund helper compounds such as "I am typing," because the "am" in this instance doesn't perform its typical ambiguous function.
Some people don’t notice the difference between conventional English and reduced E-Prime. However, people with highly-sensitive temperaments may appreciate the subtle clarification of meaning, thus allowing writers and speakers to reach a wider audience with peaceful, precise language.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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