Formal and informal speech in English reflects different levels of politeness, social context, and formality. English once used 'thou,' 'thee,' and 'thine' for informal singular address, and 'you,' 'your,' 'yours' for plural or formal singular address. Over time, 'you' became standard for all cases, but the distinction illustrates how English handles register—the appropriate level of formality for a situation.
The Historical Use of 'Thou' and 'You'
The singular informal subject pronoun 'thou' and its related forms 'thee' (object), 'thy' (possessive adjective), and 'thine' (possessive pronoun) were used in Middle and Early Modern English. The pronoun 'you' (along with 'your' and 'yours') originally served as the plural form and the singular formal form.
- 'Thou' was used for addressing one person informally, familiarly, or sometimes in a condescending way.
- 'You' was used for addressing one person respectfully or when speaking to multiple people.
Example:
| Pronoun | Subject Form | Object Form | Possessive Adjective | Possessive Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singular Informal | thou | thee | thy | thine | Thou art my friend.* (You are my friend.) |
| Singular Formal / Plural | you | you | your | yours | You are my friend.* (singular formal or plural) |
Over time, the use of 'thou' declined and 'you' became the standard pronoun for both singular and plural, as well as for all levels of formality.
What was the original function of the pronoun 'you' in Middle and Early Modern English?
It was used as the plural form and the singular formal form.
In Middle and Early Modern English, 'you' served as the plural pronoun and as the singular formal pronoun, while 'thou' was the singular informal pronoun.
Register: Choosing the Right Level of Formality
Register refers to the level of formality or informality in speech or writing. English speakers choose words, grammar, and tone based on the social context, audience, and purpose.
- Formal register uses complete sentences, polite expressions, and avoids contractions and slang.
- Informal register uses contractions, colloquial expressions, and a more relaxed tone.
- Neutral register is appropriate for everyday conversation and writing without being too formal or informal.
Examples of Pronouns in Different Registers
| Register | Singular Pronoun | Plural Pronoun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal | you | you | You are requested to attend the meeting.* |
| Informal | you | you | Are you coming to the party?* |
| Historical Informal | thou | ye | Thou dost protest too much. (Thou = you singular informal; ye = plural or formal) |
Note:
In modern English, 'you' serves as the singular and plural pronoun in almost all contexts. The distinctions are now expressed through tone, word choice, and grammar rather than pronoun form.
Modern English: Politeness Without 'Thou'
Since 'thou' is no longer in general use, English relies on other ways to signal formality and politeness:
- Using 'you' with modal verbs (could, would, might) and polite phrases (please, thank you).
- Using titles and last names (Mr., Ms., Dr.) in formal situations.
- Avoiding contractions (do not, cannot) in writing and speech when formality is required.
- Choosing more formal vocabulary (purchase vs. buy, inquire vs. ask).
Examples
| Situation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Formal Request | Would you please send the report by Monday?* |
| Informal Request | Can you send the report by Monday?* |
| Polite Inquiry | Might I ask who is calling?* |
| Casual Inquiry | Who’s calling?* |
Summary
- 'Thou' was the singular informal pronoun used in earlier stages of English, while 'you' was formal or plural.
- Modern English uses 'you' for all persons and relies on tone, vocabulary, and grammar to express formality or informality.
- Register is the choice of language level appropriate to the social situation—formal, informal, or neutral.
- Politeness in modern English comes from word choice, sentence structure, and context rather than pronoun differences.
Understanding the history of 'thou' and 'you' helps explain why English grammar focuses on register and style rather than changing pronouns to show formality.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
