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A Guide to Tudor
verb conjugation
Confused when to use The/Thou/You/I?
You aren't the only one who has been
confused as to how to accurately use these
terms. To help
you get your head wrapped around when to use
what with
which, I have put together a few common
usages guides for Tudor era pronouns. |
|
I |
THOU |
HE/SHE/IT |
| am |
art |
is |
| do |
dost |
doth |
| go |
goest |
goeth |
| know |
knowest |
knoweth |
| can |
canst |
can |
|
THE |
THOU |
YA |
| would |
wilt |
will |
| could |
shalt |
could |
| should |
couldst |
should |
| has |
hast |
have |
When should you use "THE"? |
Usually used for addressing equal
rank and friends. |
When should you use "THOU"? |
Usually used for addressing those
elevated to your station. |
When should you use "YOU"? |
All senses except respectful. |
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Use Case Examples |
The Baker says to the Smithy, "Is
thee in good fettle today, Jack?"
The
Smithy replies, "Am as fit as a fiddle. How
'bout yourself?"
The Baker to the Magistrate, "Art. thou in
good fettle today, your worship?"
Magistrate replies, ''Yes, indeed, Master
Baker, and fair thee?"
The Baker says to the Peasant Boy, "Are ya in
good fettle today, me lad?"
The
Peasant Boy replies, "Why I be champion. How
be yourself?"
The
Cooper asks the Fisherman, "Has the been int’
pub all day?"
The
Fisherman replies, ''No me old mate, just
all day yesterday, last night and
part of today!"
The
Cooper asks the Magistrate, "Hast thou seen
the fisherman lists to starboard, your worship?"
Magistrate says, '''The Fisherman does not
concern me, but the poor woman yonder
is trying to get sane water from the well.
The Fisherman just fell into
it and he won't let go of the bucket."
The woman could shout down the well,
''Have ya given leave of your senses
man? Let go of the bucket and climb out
before it clouts ya on your daft
bonce!"
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Abbreviation |
Meaning |
Example of proper
usage |
Gotta |
got to |
I've gotta have something to eat. |
Hatta |
had (have) to |
I hatta get to the pub before I die of
thirst. |
Int' |
In the |
Int' the oven you'll find
some stotty cakes. |
Ont' |
On top of |
On't mantelpiece you'll find me gloves.
|
'Tisn't |
It is not |
'Tisn't opening time. That's why we
cannot get into
the pub. |
'Twon't |
It will not |
'Twon't be long before it opens, Jimmy.
|
Won't |
Will not |
Won't be soon enough for me, Tommy. |
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