In Elizabethan English, what was the primary difference in usage between 'thou' and 'you'?

'Thou' was informal and 'you' was formal.

Explain how verbs are typically conjugated when used with 'thou' in Elizabethan English. Provide an example.

Verbs typically end in '-st' or '-est' when used with 'thou'. For example, 'thou walkest'.

'Ye' was used as the subject form, while 'you' was used as the object form.

9th GradeELA62 min

I can identify key characteristics of Elizabethan English.

7 min

HOW TO USE THOU ...as well as thee, thy, ye & you.

RobWords

12 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
In Early Modern English, the word 'thou' was used as the informal version of 'you,' while 'you' was the formal version.
•
When using 'thou,' add 'st' or 'est' to the end of the verb, as in 'thou walkest'.
•
The possessive forms of 'thou' are 'thy' and 'thine', and 'ye' was the subject form of the plural 'you'.

19 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

5 min

“In Elizabethan English, what was the difference in usage between 'thou' and 'you'?”

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