Google NGrams Viewer

I’ve been using a fantastic tool called Google Ngrams, which I think is really useful for historical fiction writers like myself!

If you're not familiar with Google Ngrams, it's a powerful search engine that scans through millions of books to analyze and track the usage of words and phrases over time.

So, why is this tool so useful? Well, most of my stories are set in the 19th century, so I want to make sure I use language that would have been authentic for that time period. With Google Ngrams, I can explore the prevalence and popularity of specific words and phrases during that era.

For example, let's say I am unsure whether a particular phrase like "hoi polloi" was commonly used during the late 1800s. By using Google Ngrams, I can see the frequency of its appearance in books published during that period. It provides insights into the historical context.

Additionally, Google Ngrams allows me to compare the usage of multiple words or phrases simultaneously. This feature is incredibly helpful when I want to explore how certain terms were replaced by others over time.

As an historical fiction writer, my goal is to transport readers to different eras. Google Ngrams helps me to achieve that goal by providing a valuable resource for historical language research.

Have you tried Google Ngrams Viewer? If so I would love to know whether you have found it useful. Leave a comment below. If not, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's an invaluable tool that I believe can enrich your writing process.