Business Case Studies & Business Publications

E-Prime Language

Clawson, James G.

Technical Note

E-Prime Language

Clawson, James G.

OB-0722 | Published December 19, 2000 Technical Note

Collection: Darden School of Business

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This note introduces readers to Korzybski's notion of English-prime language, that is, English without stative verbs (e.g., be, have, believe, know, seem). The note describes some of the problems that arise when people use stative language, the reification of opinions and their impact on others, and defensiveness in communication. The value of E-prime language in describing one's opinions as opinions and not facts, or reified "factoids," is presented as it relates to leadership and developing influence with others. A two-page excerpt from the introduction to Albert Ellis's book A New Guide to Rational Living is included as an appendix, which lays out the basic premises and principles of E-prime.