Early Modern English is the stage of the English language used from the late 15th century to the early 17th century. This period saw significant changes in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, influenced by the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the Age of Exploration. It is characterized by the standardization of spelling and the introduction of many words from Latin and Greek. One of the most famous writers of this period is William Shakespeare, whose works exemplify the richness of Early Modern English. The language began to resemble the English we use today, making it a crucial transition from Middle English to contemporary forms of the language.