Here are some key points:
* Early Modern English (c. 1500 - 1660): This period marks the beginning of the transition from Middle English to Modern English. Key features include the Great Vowel Shift, the standardization of spelling, and the adoption of many new words from Latin and Greek. The invention of the printing press played a crucial role in standardizing the language.
* Late Modern English (c. 1660 - 1900): This period saw the establishment of a more standard English, with the development of dictionaries and grammar books. The influence of science, philosophy, and the Enlightenment shaped the language, and new words continued to be added.
* Present-Day English: The language continues to evolve, with new words and phrases constantly emerging. The influence of technology, globalization, and social media has led to a rapid pace of change.
Therefore, while we can pinpoint certain periods that mark the transition to Modern English, it's impossible to say definitively when it "started." The gradual changes and influences over centuries have shaped the language into what we know today as Modern English.