Modern english period

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Modern English is conventionally defined as the English language since about 1450 or 1500. Distinctions are commonly drawn between the Early Modern Period (roughly 1450-1800) and Late Modern English (1800 to the present).

A major factor seperating Middle English from Modern English: A great vowel shift
A radical change in prononciation, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries – particularly in long vowel sounds
In Middle English long vowels were pronounced much more like the Romance laguages stemming from Latin

After the Great Vowel Shift the pronunciation would have been much closer to today’s.

Printing press introduced to England by William Caxton in 1476.
Mass-produced books were cheaper and more commonly available, and so literacy grew – and English books became more commonly available than Latin ones.

Early modern period (16th - 18th century) seen as a highpoint of English literature: A golden age
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) single-handedly changed the English language at this time
By some counts: 1/10 of words were new – not necessarily invented by Shakespeare, just first time they appear in print

The English language underwent more huge changes after 1800. The Early Modern period came to an end as new influences emerged.
Although the pronunciation and grammar of Early Modern English continued into the late modern age, the vocabulary of English grew considerably, leading to the creation of Late Modern English.
The main changes in vocabulary during the Late Modern period were due to the industrial revolution, scientific advancements and colonialism.

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