Final answer:
The most famous phrase of William Shakespeare is "To be, or not to be: that is the question" from Hamlet, reflecting his masterful command of the English language and the dramatic form.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Shakespeare, renowned for his contribution to the English language, is attributed with many famous phrases. However, perhaps the most renowned of them all is "To be, or not to be: that is the question" from his play, Hamlet. This existential line, spoken by Prince Hamlet, has permeated popular culture and is often cited when discussing Shakespeare's linguistic legacy. The Bard's skill in crafting poetic language vividly comes through in this soliloquy, showing his mastery over both the dramatic form and the English language.
Aside from "To be, or not to be", Shakespeare's literary works are rich with memorable lines. Examples of these include the romantic declaration "Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" from Sonnet 18, and the cunning instruction from Lady Macbeth, "Look like the innocent flower, But be the serpent under't," depicting the duplicity of her character in Macbeth.
Shakespeare's influence in the theatrical world during the 16th and 17th centuries was formidable, and his words continue to resonate and to be recited, both on stage and in educational settings, centuries after they were written. The Droeshout engraving that appeared in the First Folio and the memorial bust at Holy Trinity Church in Stratford are testament to his enduring fame.