William Shakespeare’s words have shaped the English language for over 400 years. From the most quoted plays to everyday expressions we use without thinking, his influence is everywhere. But how well do you really know what he wrote? In this quiz, you’ll be shown famous lines — some real, some not — and you’ll have to decide: was this actually written by Shakespeare, or is it a clever fake?
Shakespeare wrote 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His works cover love, power, betrayal, comedy, tragedy, and the human experience in all its complexity. Many phrases like “to be or not to be,” “all the world’s a stage,” or “what’s in a name” are instantly recognizable. But not every elegant or poetic-sounding line came from the Bard himself! Some are modern inventions, others misattributions, or inspired by the style of Elizabethan English.
In this challenge, you’ll need to use your literary instincts. Some lines are obvious — classics everyone knows. Others sound Shakespearean but aren’t. A few might trip you up! Whether you’re a longtime fan of his work or just enjoy fun quizzes, this game will test your knowledge of one of the greatest writers in history. Ready to separate fact from fiction? Let’s play!