xoder: (A DeLorean?!?)
xoder ([personal profile] xoder) wrote2004-12-01 11:41 pm

e-prime

I have decided to take on the challenge of writing more stuff in e-prime. I have many reasons for this, including the fact that e-prime finds itself popular in both Discordian circles and among the founders of the movement.

E-prime has the goal of removing all forms of "to be" from English. One can shorten English-Prime to e-prime, as I have done. An automatic e-prime compliance tester exists.

Many non-Discordians take on the challenge of e-prime to force themselves to use only declarative and active sentances.

During this transition period, as I begin to use the language in IM and LJ, please have patience with my awkward syntax, as I need to relearn non-"to be"-based words and constructs.

I will achieve the fully active voice. I have this simple goal.

[I have validated the above text as compliant with the e-prime standards and precepts.]

[identity profile] ladyravn.livejournal.com 2004-12-02 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, that sounds really confusing.

[identity profile] xoder.livejournal.com 2004-12-02 07:42 am (UTC)(link)
Do you mean you find the above text confusing, or the concept of e-prime?

[identity profile] tecknicaltom.livejournal.com 2004-12-02 12:23 pm (UTC)(link)
I think he meant that You are confusing :)

[identity profile] xoder.livejournal.com 2004-12-02 01:26 pm (UTC)(link)
You mean "she." Look at her username, Tom.

[identity profile] tecknicaltom.livejournal.com 2004-12-02 01:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Sorry, was too excited about making the joke :)

[identity profile] xoder.livejournal.com 2004-12-02 02:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Do you often make gender-based mistakes due to excitement?

[identity profile] ladyravn.livejournal.com 2004-12-02 02:58 pm (UTC)(link)
Haha, I meant the concept of e-prime is confusing.

[identity profile] roark-therapist.livejournal.com 2004-12-04 08:24 pm (UTC)(link)
I have to admit that I find the motivation for it to be unclear, as well - while it clarifies in some cases, it detracts from sensible meaning in others.

On a bit of a tangent, if I begin speaking in ebonics, will it effectively cancel out your effort?

[identity profile] xoder.livejournal.com 2004-12-04 10:14 pm (UTC)(link)
I find that the language reduces passivity in sentances.

[identity profile] zsparke.livejournal.com 2004-12-05 09:19 am (UTC)(link)
I find their reasons other than "pep up writing" rather stupid.

[identity profile] roark-therapist.livejournal.com 2004-12-05 11:23 am (UTC)(link)
Passivity is underappreciated :(