Shakespeare Ungrammatical?

Amir asks:
I would like to know if much of what Shakespeare has written, his sentences, constructions, etc would be considered grammatically correct if used in today's writing?

Take for example the following sentence from Julius Caesar:

"Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war"

Would that be considered grammatically correct today?

Yes, it would. Both "cry havoc" and "let slip" are sentences in the imperative. In modern English, we might say something like "Declare war and send the troops into action." Not as poetic, but equally grammatical.

However, another line in Julius Caesar has scandalized English teachers for centuries:

This was the most unkindest cut of all.

Shakespeare was actually very fond of such double superlatives. If you want to see more details of his use of English, visit Shakespeare's Grammar, part of the Shakespeare Resource Centre.

Comments

[Amir]

Wow, thanks for the fast response. This definately clears up some thoughts I've had recently. Thanks! :)