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.

Grade 9th Grade · ELA · 62 min

I can identify key characteristics of Elizabethan English.

RobWords · 6:59

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

3 key concepts

1
In Early Modern English, the word 'thou' was used as the informal version of 'you,' while 'you' was the formal version.
2
When using 'thou,' add 'st' or 'est' to the end of the verb, as in 'thou walkest'.
3
The possessive forms of 'thou' are 'thy' and 'thine', and 'ye' was the subject form of the plural 'you'.

12 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

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

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