What type of English did Shakespeare use and write in?

Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English, which was a form of English used from about 1500 to 1700. It was a transitional period in the English language, with many changes occurring in spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. Shakespeare's plays are written in a highly poetic and stylized form of Early Modern English that is often difficult to understand for modern readers. However, his work is considered some of the greatest literature ever written, and his use of language is a major part of what makes his plays so special.