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How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk

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Will's Words: How William Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk

by Jane Sutcliffe

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21722 KB
Print length	:	40 pages

William Shakespeare was more than just a playwright and poet; he was a linguistic innovator who profoundly shaped the English language. Through his plays and sonnets, he introduced new words, phrases, and grammatical structures that have become an integral part of our everyday speech.

Coining New Words

Shakespeare is credited with coining over 1,700 new words, many of which are still used today. These include:

Addict
Assassination
Bedazzling
Bloodstained
Bumpkin
Disheveled
Eyeball
Fashionable
Lonely
Outrageous
Swagger

These words not only added richness and variety to the English vocabulary, but also reflected the changing social and cultural landscape of Elizabethan England.

Enriching Existing Words

Shakespeare also broadened the meaning and usage of existing words. For example:

He used "dwindle" to mean "to waste away," instead of just "to diminish in size."
He gave "critic" the sense of "a person who judges or evaluates," rather than just "a commentator."
He expanded the meaning of "frugal" to include "economical in the use of time," not just "money."

Shakespeare's imaginative use of language allowed him to express complex ideas and emotions with greater precision and nuance.

Introducing New Phrases

Many of the phrases we use today originated in Shakespeare's works. These include:

All the world's a stage
To be or not to be
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet
A plague on both your houses
Break a leg
Green-eyed monster
Heart's content
In a pickle
Knock on wood
The lion's share
Wear your heart on your sleeve

These phrases have become so ingrained in our language that we often use them without realizing their Shakespearean origins.

Influencing Grammar

Shakespeare's influence extended beyond vocabulary and phrases. He also helped to shape the grammar of the English language. For example:

He used double comparatives and superlatives, such as "more better" and "most unkindest."
He often omitted the relative pronoun "that," which was more common in Elizabethan English.
He played with the Free Download of words in sentences to create emphasis and variety.

These grammatical innovations gave Shakespeare's writing a distinct rhythm and cadence that set it apart from other works of the time.

A Lasting Legacy

William Shakespeare's impact on the English language is undeniable. His words, phrases, and grammatical structures have had a profound influence on the way we communicate today. From everyday speech to literary masterpieces, his legacy continues to shape the evolution of our language.

"Words are the currency of our minds." - William Shakespeare, Henry V

William Shakespeare was not only a literary genius but also a linguistic innovator. His groundbreaking use of language left an indelible mark on the English language, enriching it with new words, phrases, and grammatical structures. His influence continues to be felt today, shaping the way we communicate and express ourselves.

To delve deeper into the fascinating world of Shakespeare's language, I highly recommend the following resources: