* Old English (c. 450-1150 AD): This was the language spoken in England after the Anglo-Saxon invasions. It was heavily influenced by Old Norse (from the Vikings) and differed significantly from Modern English in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Examples of Old English include Beowulf and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
* Middle English (c. 1150-1500 AD): This period saw the emergence of a "standard" English, largely due to the Norman Conquest in 1066. French influence was strong, and the language began to shift towards the forms we recognize today. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is a famous example of Middle English.
* Early Modern English (c. 1500-1800 AD): This era saw the Great Vowel Shift, a significant change in pronunciation that brought English closer to its current state. The printing press also played a major role in standardizing the language. Shakespeare's works are a good example of Early Modern English.
* Modern English (c. 1800-present): This period has seen continued evolution, with new vocabulary from science, technology, and globalization.
So, technically, you could call English:
* Old English before it became Middle English
* Middle English before it became Early Modern English
* Early Modern English before it became Modern English
However, it's important to remember that these are just stages in a continuous process of development. There's no sharp line between them, and the language gradually changed over time.