Early Modern English

Early Modern English is the stage of the English language used roughly from the late 15th to the early 17th century, roughly aligning with the time of Shakespeare and the King James Bible. It features vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical structures that differ from contemporary English, often sounding quite different to modern ears. This period was marked by significant linguistic development, standardization efforts, and influential literary works that shaped the language we use today. While it may seem unfamiliar, it is an important historical phase bridging Middle English and modern English, reflecting a dynamic and evolving language.