The Complete Guide to Shakespearean Language

Early Modern English: Shakespeare's Language Era

Shakespeare wrote between approximately 1590 and 1613, placing him firmly in the Early Modern English period (roughly 1500–1700). This era sits between Chaucer's Middle English and the standardised English of the 18th century. The language was still in flux — spelling was not yet standardised, grammar was more flexible, and vocabulary was rapidly expanding through contact with Latin, Greek, Italian, and French.

Thee, Thou, and Ye: Second-Person Pronouns Explained

One of the most confusing aspects of Shakespearean English is the second-person pronoun system. In Early Modern English, there were two sets of "you" words depending on formality and number:

• Thou / Thee / Thy / Thine — singular, informal (used with intimates, children, or inferiors)
• Ye / You / Your / Yours — plural OR formal singular (used with strangers, superiors, or for respect)
• Using "thou" to a social superior was an insult — deliberately done to provoke in several plays

Common Shakespearean Words and Their Meanings

Many archaic words appear repeatedly across Shakespeare's works. Knowing them unlocks his language quickly:

• Wherefore — why (not "where"), as in "Wherefore art thou Romeo?" = "Why are you Romeo?"
• Marry — mild oath from "Virgin Mary", meaning "indeed" or "truly"
• Forsooth — in truth, certainly
• Hark — listen
• Prithee — contraction of "pray thee", meaning "please"

Verb Conjugations: -eth and -est Endings

Shakespearean verbs follow Early Modern English conjugation patterns. Third-person singular uses "-eth" (he speaketh, she runneth) or the more modern "-s" form (he speaks) — both appear in Shakespeare, with "-eth" being more formal. Second-person singular with "thou" takes "-est": "thou art", "thou speakest", "thou dost". These endings are remnants of Old English inflection that had nearly vanished by 1700.

How Shakespearean English Differs from Old English

Shakespearean English is often confused with Old English, but they are separated by 500 years and considerable change. Old English (450–1100 AD) is the language of Beowulf — barely recognisable to modern readers. Shakespeare's Early Modern English, by contrast, is largely readable once you learn the key archaic vocabulary and pronouns. Our translator tool offers an Early Modern (1500s–1600s) style that closely approximates Shakespearean speech patterns.

Write in Early Modern Shakespearean style