- Added over 1,700 words to the English language, including "swag," "assassination," "manager," "gossip," "discontent," "fashionable," "laughable," "critic," "lonely," and "hurry."
- Coined many common phrases and expressions, such as "the world is a stage," "to be or not to be," "break the ice," "kill with kindness," "wear your heart on your sleeve," and "a pound of flesh."
- Helped to standardize English spelling and grammar, making it easier for people from different regions of England to understand one another.
- His works have been translated into more than 100 languages, making him the most widely read author in the world.
Milton:
- Wrote in a grand, elevated style that influenced the development of English poetic diction.
- Used many Latin and Greek words and phrases, helping to increase the vocabulary of English poets.
- Coined several words, including "pandemonium," "self-esteem," and "unsphere."
- His epic poem "Paradise Lost" is considered one of the greatest works of English literature, and has had a profound impact on the development of the English language and literature.