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Shakespeare is perhaps the best known author in the English language. His plays, though often thought of as only useful in English classes and for discussion at intellectually elitist parties, have been incredibly influential to the common speaker of the English language.

Over 1700 words and phrases originated in the works of Shakespeare, and many of these are still used in common conversation today. For example, words such as assassination, courtship, and obscene made their first appearances in Shakespeare's plays. His ingenuity was not limited to mere words, however. Many phrases that are now popular, and even relegated to the status of clichs, first appeared in the Bard's writing. Though many of the phrases could have been in common oral use at the time, the original written evidence of them is found in Shakespeare's work. Some of the more famous of these include:

Household Words:

First appearing in Henry V, the fact that Shakespeare invented it is perhaps most incredible because it is commonly used to explain the impact of so many other words and phrases that he invented.

In A Pickle:

This phrase was first used in The Tempest, and its reach has stretched far beyond the English classroom to the baseball field. It is not only commonly used to describe being in trouble, but in sports phraseology to indicate a player who is caught running between two bases and must decide to go back or forward to escape being thrown out. So next you're watching a baseball game, you can brag to your friends that you have just quoted Shakespeare.

As dead as a doornail:

This phrase is first found in Henry VI, and is one that when thought about is actually quite strange. A doornail is inanimate and can't die. And what the heck is a doornail anyway? So, thank you Shakespeare, for inventing a phrase that is commonly used, but rarely thought about.

Writers are so often told to avoid clichs, and even in speaking one often is scoffed at for such unoriginal use of language. But tell people you are quoting from Shakespeare and you will surely gain a new level of respect from your fellow conversationalists. Tell your English teacher that all those clichs in your writing are actually inspired by your close study of Shakespeare and watch as her eyes light up with a newfound respect. Thank the Bard, and read his work. His contributions to all aspects of society cannot be underrated.

Sources:

http://nosw eatshakespeare.com

http://www.cracked.com/article _15859_10-words-phrases-you-wo nt-believe-shakespeare-invente d.html

Learn more about this author, Jamie Elizabeth.
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