What is E-Prime

What is E-Prime refers to a modified form of English that eliminates all uses of the verb to be (is, are, was, were, etc.). E-Prime is a linguistic approach created by D. David Bourland Jr. in 1965 to encourage clearer, less dogmatic communication by replacing “to be” with more descriptive verbs and phrases.

How E-Prime Works

• Restriction: Writers avoid all forms of to be.
• Replacement: Use alternative verbs or constructions (e.g., “The cat is furry” → “The cat feels furry”).
• Goal: Reduce ambiguity, assumptions, and absolute statements.
• Application: Used in writing, therapy, and communication training.

Benefits of E-Prime

• Clarity: Forces writers to describe experiences instead of labeling.
• Reduced bias: Avoids “deity mode” speech where opinions sound like facts.
• Improved communication: Encourages subjective, context-aware language.
• Critical thinking: Helps writers and speakers examine assumptions.

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Examples of E-Prime

Colloquial English	E-Prime Version
The electron is a particle.	The electron functions as a particle.
Your dress is awful.	I don’t like your dress.
Sarah is a dental hygienist.	Sarah cleans teeth from nine to five.
There is a cat.	A cat exists.

Comparison: E-Prime vs Standard English

E-Prime	Standard English
Excludes to be verbs	Includes all verb forms
Focuses on subjective description	Allows identity and predication
Reduces dogmatic statements	Can reinforce rigid labels
Example: “I don’t like your dress”	Example: “Your dress is awful”

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