A synchronic study takes a fixed instant (usually at present) as its point of observation. Language can be studied at a given point in time or over time. When we study language at a particular time, it is called synchronic linguistics. Synchronic linguistics focuses on the state of language at any points in history. For example, a study of the features of the English used in Shakespeare's time would be synchronic. In modern linguistics, synchronic study seems to enjoy priority over diachronic study. The reason is that unless the various state of a language is successfully studied it would be difficult to describe the changes that have taken place in its historical development.