Will vs. Shall: Mastering Future Tense in English
Understanding the proper use of “will” and “shall” is crucial for expressing future actions and intentions accurately in English. While “will” has largely replaced “shall” in modern usage, particularly in American English, knowing the traditional distinctions and contexts where “shall” is still appropriate is essential for both native and non-native speakers. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the nuances of “will” and “shall,” offering clear explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises to help you master their usage.
This guide is beneficial for English language learners, students preparing for standardized tests, and anyone seeking to refine their understanding of English grammar and usage. By exploring the definitions, structural rules, and common pitfalls associated with “will” and “shall,” you will gain the confidence to use them correctly and effectively in your writing and speech.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definitions of Will and Shall
- Structural Breakdown
- Types of Usage
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definitions of Will and Shall
Will is primarily used as an auxiliary verb to express future tense. It indicates a prediction, intention, or willingness to do something. In modern English, “will” is generally used with all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they) to form the future tense. It can also express determination, a wish, or a request.
Shall, traditionally, is used with the first-person pronouns (I and we) to express future tense, especially in formal or British English. It can also be used to make offers, suggestions, or inquiries. While less common now, “shall” retains specific uses, particularly in legal documents and formal contexts. The distinction between “will” and “shall” has blurred over time, with “will” becoming the more universally accepted option.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure for sentences using “will” and “shall” to express future tense is as follows:
Subject + Will/Shall + Base Form of Verb + (Optional Object/Complement)
- Affirmative: I/We shall go. He/She/It/You/They will go.
- Negative: I/We shall not go. He/She/It/You/They will not go. (Contractions: shan’t, won’t)
- Interrogative: Shall I/we go? Will he/she/it/you/they go?
Contractions are commonly used in spoken and informal written English:
- I will = I’ll
- You will = You’ll
- He will = He’ll
- She will = She’ll
- It will = It’ll
- We will = We’ll
- They will = They’ll
- I shall = I’ll (less common)
- We shall = We’ll (less common)
The negative contractions are “won’t” for “will not” and “shan’t” for “shall not.” “Shan’t” is relatively rare in American English.
Types of Usage
Future Tense
Both “will” and “shall” are used to express future events. Traditionally, “shall” was preferred for the first person (I and we), while “will” was used for all other persons. However, “will” is now widely accepted and commonly used for all subjects.
Offers and Suggestions
“Shall” is often used to make offers or suggestions, particularly in questions with “I” or “we.” This usage is more common in British English but can also be found in formal American English.
Promises and Intentions
“Will” is commonly used to express promises, intentions, or decisions made at the moment of speaking. It indicates a commitment to perform an action in the future.
Commands and Threats
In rare cases, “shall” can be used to express a command or a threat, typically when used with subjects other than “I” or “we.” This usage is archaic and not common in modern English.
Examples
Future Tense Examples
The following table provides examples of “will” and “shall” used to express future tense. Notice how “will” is now the more common choice for all subjects, especially in American English.
| Subject | Sentence with Will | Sentence with Shall (Traditional) |
|---|---|---|
| I | I will go to the store tomorrow. | I shall go to the store tomorrow. |
| You | You will enjoy the movie. | You shall enjoy the movie (rare). |
| He | He will arrive at 6 PM. | He shall arrive at 6 PM (very rare). |
| She | She will call you later. | She shall call you later (very rare). |
| It | It will rain tonight. | It shall rain tonight (very rare). |
| We | We will have dinner together next week. | We shall have dinner together next week. |
| They | They will visit Paris in the summer. | They shall visit Paris in the summer (very rare). |
| I | I’ll finish the report by Friday. | I’ll finish the report by Friday. (Contraction is same) |
| We | We’ll celebrate your birthday. | We’ll celebrate your birthday. (Contraction is same) |
| You | You will be successful. | You shall be successful (emphasis, uncommon). |
| He | He will definitely win the game. | He shall definitely win the game (very rare). |
| She | She will become a great doctor. | She shall become a great doctor (very rare). |
| It | The sun will rise tomorrow. | The sun shall rise tomorrow (very rare). |
| I | I won’t forget you. | I shan’t forget you (rare). |
| We | We won’t give up. | We shan’t give up (rare). |
| They | They will complete the project. | They shall complete the project (very rare). |
| You | You will receive your package soon. | You shall receive your package soon (very rare). |
| He | He will start a new job. | He shall start a new job (very rare). |
| She | She will move to New York. | She shall move to New York (very rare). |
| It | The plane will depart on time. | The plane shall depart on time (very rare). |
| We | We will learn English. | We shall learn English. |
| They | They will understand the lesson. | They shall understand the lesson (very rare). |
| I | I will remember this day. | I shall remember this day. |
| You | You will achieve your goals. | You shall achieve your goals (very rare). |
Offers and Suggestions Examples
The following table illustrates the use of “shall” in making offers and suggestions. This usage is more common in British English and formal contexts.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Shall I open the window? | Offering to open the window. |
| Shall we go for a walk? | Suggesting a walk. |
| Shall I help you with your bags? | Offering assistance. |
| Shall we dance? | Suggesting a dance. |
| Shall I make some tea? | Offering to make tea. |
| Shall we order pizza tonight? | Suggesting ordering pizza. |
| Shall I read you a story? | Offering to read a story. |
| Shall we start the meeting? | Suggesting to begin the meeting. |
| Shall I carry that for you? | Offering to carry something. |
| Shall we try a new restaurant? | Suggesting a new restaurant. |
| Shall I take notes for you? | Offering to take notes. |
| Shall we visit the museum? | Suggesting a museum visit. |
| Shall I call him for you? | Offering to make a call. |
| Shall we watch a movie? | Suggesting watching a movie. |
| Shall I prepare dinner? | Offering to prepare dinner. |
| Shall we play a game? | Suggesting playing a game. |
| Shall I ask her to come with us? | Offering to invite someone. |
| Shall we discuss this later? | Suggesting a later discussion. |
| Shall I bring a dessert? | Offering to bring dessert. |
| Shall we go to the beach? | Suggesting going to the beach. |
| Shall I explain the concept again? | Offering to explain the concept again. |
| Shall we review the project? | Suggesting review the project. |
| Shall I buy the tickets? | Offering to buy tickets. |
| Shall we invite more people? | Suggesting inviting more people. |
Promises and Intentions Examples
The table below provides examples of “will” used to express promises and intentions. These sentences indicate a commitment to perform an action in the future.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| I will always love you. | Expressing a promise of enduring love. |
| I will help you with your homework. | Promising assistance with homework. |
| I will call you tomorrow. | Intending to make a phone call. |
| I will finish the project on time. | Promising to complete the project. |
| I will be there for you. | Promising support. |
| I will never forget this. | Expressing a lasting memory. |
| I will send you the documents. | Intending to send documents. |
| I will take care of it. | Promising to handle a situation. |
| I will write you a letter. | Intending to write a letter. |
| I will visit you soon. | Promising a visit. |
| I will pay you back next week. | Promising to repay a debt. |
| I will clean my room. | Intending to tidy up. |
| I will learn to play the guitar. | Expressing an intention to learn. |
| I will exercise every day. | Promising to maintain a routine. |
| I will try my best. | Promising to make an effort. |
| I will support your decision. | Promising to back a decision. |
| I will keep your secret. | Promising confidentiality. |
| I will attend the meeting. | Intending to go to the meeting. |
| I will buy a new car. | Intending to buy a car. |
| I will travel around the world. | Expressing an intention to travel. |
| I will graduate from college. | Promising to graduate. |
| I will find a new job. | Intending to find a job. |
| I will create a beautiful garden. | Expressing an intention to create. |
| I will teach you how to cook. | Promising to teach. |
| I will respect your boundaries. | Promising to respect boundaries. |
Commands and Threats Examples
The following table provides examples of “shall” used to express commands and threats. This usage is rare and archaic in modern English.
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| You shall not pass! | Expressing a forceful command or prohibition. |
| He shall be punished for his crimes. | Expressing a threat of punishment. |
| They shall obey my orders. | Expressing a command for obedience. |
| The guilty shall be brought to justice. | Expressing a determination to enforce justice. |
| You shall not lie. | Expressing a prohibition against lying. |
| He shall regret his actions. | Expressing a threat of future regret. |
| They shall face the consequences. | Expressing a threat of consequences. |
| You shall do as I say. | Expressing a direct command. |
| She shall not speak unless spoken to. | Expressing a restrictive command. |
| He shall not leave this room. | Expressing a command to stay. |
Usage Rules
Here are the key rules governing the use of “will” and “shall”:
- Future Tense: In modern English, “will” is generally used with all subjects to express future tense. “Shall” is less common but can still be used with “I” and “we,” particularly in British English.
- Offers and Suggestions: “Shall” is used to make offers or suggestions, especially in questions with “I” or “we” (e.g., “Shall I help you?”).
- Promises and Intentions: “Will” is used to express promises, intentions, or decisions (e.g., “I will call you later.”).
- Commands and Threats: “Shall” can be used to express commands or threats, but this usage is rare and often sounds archaic.
- Emphasis: In traditional grammar, using “shall” with subjects other than “I” and “we” can indicate emphasis or determination.
Exceptions and Special Cases:
- In legal documents, “shall” is often used to indicate obligation or requirement (e.g., “The tenant shall pay the rent by the first of each month.”).
- In formal contexts, “shall” may be preferred with “I” and “we” for expressing future tense, especially in British English.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes learners make when using “will” and “shall”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I will help you? | Shall I help you? | “Shall” is used for offers and suggestions with “I” and “we.” |
| He shall go to the party. (Intention) | He will go to the party. | “Will” is generally used to express intentions. |
| We will consider your proposal? | Shall we consider your proposal? | “Shall” is used for suggestions with “we.” |
| I will be there if you insist. | I shall be there if you insist. (Formal) | “Shall” is more formal and used with “I” in formal British English. |
| They will respect the rules. (Command) | They shall respect the rules. (Rare, formal) | “Shall” for commands is rare and archaic, but used in formal contexts. |
| I won’t to go with you. | I will not go with you. / I won’t go with you. | Correct structure uses “will not” or its contraction “won’t”. |
| Shall you be attending the event? | Will you be attending the event? | “Will” is correct for expressing future tense with “you.” |
| I shall be there. (Informal) | I will be there. | “Will” is more common in informal contexts. |
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with “will” or “shall.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I ______ go to the gym tomorrow. | will |
| 2. ______ we start the meeting now? | Shall |
| 3. They ______ arrive at 8 PM. | will |
| 4. ______ I help you with that? | Shall |
| 5. We ______ have dinner together soon. | will/shall |
| 6. You ______ regret this decision. | will |
| 7. She ______ call you back later. | will |
| 8. ______ we dance? | Shall |
| 9. I ______ always be there for you. | will |
| 10. They ______ not pass! | shall |
Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Word
Choose the correct word (“will” or “shall”) to complete each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. (Will/Shall) I carry your bag? | Shall |
| 2. He (will/shall) be punished for his actions. | shall |
| 3. We (will/shall) visit Paris next summer. | will |
| 4. (Will/Shall) we order pizza? | Shall |
| 5. I (will/shall) never forget you. | will |
| 6. You (will/shall) do as I say. | shall |
| 7. She (will/shall) become a doctor. | will |
| 8. (Will/Shall) I open the door for you? | Shall |
| 9. We (will/shall) overcome this challenge. | will |
| 10. They (will/shall) face the consequences. | shall |
Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite the following sentences using “will” or “shall” appropriately.
| Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|
| I am going to help you. | I will help you. |
| Let’s go for a walk. | Shall we go for a walk? |
| They are going to arrive soon. | They will arrive soon. |
| I am going to call you later. | I will call you later. |
| Let’s start the meeting. | Shall we start the meeting? |
| You are going to regret this. | You will regret this. |
| I am going to be there for you always. | I will always be there for you. |
| They are not allowed to pass. | They shall not pass. |
| Let me help you with that. | Shall I help you with that? |
| We are going to have dinner together. | We will have dinner together. |
Advanced Topics
Shall in Subjunctive Mood
In formal writing, “shall” can appear in subjunctive clauses, often in legal or official documents. This usage conveys a sense of obligation or requirement. For example: “The applicant shall provide proof of residency.” This indicates a mandatory action.
Formal and Legal Contexts
In legal and formal contexts, “shall” continues to be used to impose a duty or obligation. For instance, a contract might state, “The contractor shall complete the work by June 30th.” This signifies a binding requirement.
FAQ
- Is it wrong to use “will” for all subjects?
No, in modern English, it is perfectly acceptable and common to use “will” for all subjects, including “I” and “we.” This is especially true in American English.
- When should I use “shall”?
“Shall” is primarily used to make offers or suggestions in questions with “I” or “we” (e.g., “Shall I open the window?”). It can also be used in formal contexts or legal documents to indicate obligation.
- What is the difference between “will” and “going to”?
“Will” is often used for spontaneous decisions or predictions, while “going to” is typically used for planned actions or intentions based on present evidence. For example, “I will answer the phone” (spontaneous) vs. “I am going to study tonight” (planned).
- Is “shan’t” still used?
“Shan’t” (the contraction of “shall not”) is relatively rare, especially in American English. It is more common in British English but is generally considered formal or old-fashioned.
- Can “will” be used to make offers?
While “shall” is traditionally used for offers with “I” and “we,” “will” can also be used, but it implies more of a willingness or intention rather than a direct offer. For example, “Will I help you?” sounds less natural than “Shall I help you?”
- Why is “shall” still used in legal documents?
In legal documents, “shall” is used to impose a duty or obligation. It provides a clear and unambiguous way to indicate that something is required, not just a possibility or intention.
- How do I know when to use “will” vs. “shall” in formal writing?
When in doubt, using “will” is generally safe and acceptable. However, in highly formal or legal writing, consider using “shall” to express obligation or in questions to make offers and suggestions with “I” and “we.” Reviewing examples of similar formal documents can be helpful.
- Can I use “will” to express a command?
No, “will” is not typically used to express a command. “Shall” can be used to express a command, but this is rare and often sounds archaic. It’s better to use imperative sentences for commands (e.g., “Do this now!”).
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “will” and “shall” enhances your ability to express future actions, intentions, and obligations with precision. While “will” has become the dominant choice for expressing future tense across all subjects, understanding the traditional uses of “shall”—particularly in making offers, suggestions, and expressing obligations in formal contexts—remains valuable. Recognizing common mistakes and practicing with varied exercises will solidify your understanding and ensure accurate usage.
By incorporating these guidelines into your writing and speech, you will demonstrate a refined command of English grammar and communicate your ideas with greater clarity and confidence. Remember to pay attention to context and audience when choosing between “will” and “shall,” and continue practicing to reinforce your understanding. Consistent practice and exposure to diverse examples will further refine your grasp of these essential grammar concepts.
