"It took three years to put Shakespeare's words together, there were a lot of words to be studied and a lot of words to be sorted out, and it proved to be a major project"

David Crystal, a popular linguist and author, is reviewing the exhaustive and careful process associated with compiling and organizing the works of William Shakespeare. His statement highlights a number of key elements that communicate the scale and intricacy of the task.

First of all, the fact that it took "3 years" recommends a considerable commitment of time, highlighting the job's depth and intricacy. This timeframe implies that putting together Shakespeare's words wasn't merely a straightforward transcription but a detailed academic undertaking. It involved mindful analysis and considerable effort to make sure the precision and coherence of the resulting compilation.

Crystal's mention of "a lot of words to be studied" highlights the vastness of Shakespeare's vocabulary and the richness of language found throughout his works. Shakespeare is understood for his innovative usage of the English language, often credited with coining lots of words and phrases still in use today. Studying these words would need an extensive understanding of not just the language of the Elizabethan period but likewise the contextual subtleties that Shakespeare employed.

The phrase "a lot of words to be figured out" suggests that the task surpassed mere collection. Arranging implies organizing and categorizing Shakespeare's language, possibly to understand the use, frequency, and evolution of words throughout his body of work. This could include distinguishing between various significances of the very same word or understanding how Shakespeare's vocabulary fits within the wider linguistic context of his time.

Last but not least, Crystal refers to the undertaking as a "major task", acknowledging the academic significance and difficulties inherent in the task. It wasn't simply a casual undertaking but a significant scholastic pursuit that required extensive research and dedication.

In essence, David Crystal's quote encapsulates the painstaking devotion needed to consistently compile and analyze Shakespeare's words, showing both the linguistic genius of Shakespeare and the academic effort required to maintain and comprehend his contributions to the English language.