E-Prime

or E-prime

[ ee-prahym ]

noun

1. a modification of the English language that avoids all forms of the verb be.

Word History and Origins

Origin of E-Prime¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The company’s fastest scooter, the seated E-Prime Metro, has a top speed of 18 mph — which is on par with lower speed offerings like Bird, Lime, and other shared scooter services.

From The Verge

Going the master one better, Bourland has led a one-man crusade for the adoption of "E-prime" �which is his name for the English language minus "to be."

From Time Magazine Archive

A third advantage is that the E-prime user cannot blandly take refuge in waffling statements based on factually undemonstrated conclusions�sentences that begin with, say, "It is known that," or "It is certain."

From Time Magazine Archive

E-prime, Bourland firmly insists, has certain advantages over conventional English.

From Time Magazine Archive