To Be, or not To Be

[dragon wench]

I'm sure, at some point I must have come across the phenomenon of "English Prime." But, for some reason it just didn't stick on my radar screen. The other day, I was reintroduced to the concept.
Essentially, the idea is that one writes entirely without conjugating the verb "to be."
Now, this is, of course, quite possible, not to mention very useful in eliminating the use of the passive voice. But, I have to say, I'd find it very difficult to write without using "To Be" in any form.

Has anybody ever tried to do this?

Here are some explanatory links:
E-Prime Tutorial
English Teaching Forum Online – Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
E-Prime - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia




Sorry about the spoiler tags, I just had to

[Siberys]

Heh, so essentially "To Be or Not To Be" becomes "I am what I choose to...am."

To not be able to use the word "Be" would get rather difficult actually.

[Vicsun]

I find the idea behind this thread very interesting and will gladly participate. Can anyone think of a subject of conversation?

[Bloodstalker]

I'm sorry, this concept is beyond me.

[dragon wench]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vicsun I find the idea behind this thread very interesting and will gladly participate. Can anyone think of a subject of conversation?

How about:
Endeavouring to write paragraphs (no less than 50 words) without resorting to a conjugation of the verb "to be."

prize for the best and longest paragraph: a cookie hand-crafted by BS

[Fiberfar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragon wench prize for the best and longest paragraph: a cookie hand-crafted by BS

And just why did you say hand-crafted? Do you fear he'll use something else to craft the cookie?

[Bloodstalker]

My craftsmanship is beyond your understanding. Just enjoy the cookie should it arrive

[Fiberfar]

I wouldn't even want to understand your craftmanship!

[Loki[D.d.G]]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bloodstalker Just enjoy the cookie should it arrive

Enjoy or fear the cookie should it arrive?

[Faberge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Siberys Heh, so essentially "To Be or Not To Be" becomes "I am what I choose to...am."

Or "I will choose what I shall become, though, I must reckon for standing in middle of two extremes, unable to make up my mind."