While it's true that French was the language of the ruling class in England for several centuries, it never became the primary language of the general population.
Here's a breakdown of the situation:
* 1066: The Norman Conquest led by William the Conqueror established French as the language of the court, administration, and nobility.
* 1100-1400s: English evolved alongside French, with both languages used in various settings.
* 1400s-1500s: English gradually gained prominence, thanks to factors like the Hundred Years' War with France and the rise of the English middle class.
* Today: While French influence is still evident in English vocabulary, it is no longer spoken as a primary language by the majority of the population.
So, English was never replaced by French; rather, it continued to evolve alongside French, eventually becoming the dominant language.