Introduction
Both will and shall are modal verbs used to talk about the future. Traditionally, there was a distinction between them, but nowadays, will is more commonly used, especially in American English. However, shall is still found in formal language and certain expressions.
WILL
Will is used with the base form of the verb. It does not change for different subjects.
Affirmative
Subject + will + base verb + rest of the sentence
She will travel to Spain next summer.
Negative
Subject + will + not + base verb + rest of the sentence
She will not travel to Spain next summer.
Question
Will + subject + base verb + rest of the sentence
Will she travel to Spain next summer?
When Do We Use “Will”?
1️⃣ Predictions and Assumptions
2️⃣ Talking About the Future
3️⃣ Decisions Made at the Moment of Speaking
4️⃣ Requests
5️⃣ Promises
6️⃣ First Conditional Sentences
SHALL
Shall is also used with the base form of the verb. It is less common today but is still used in formal contexts and British English.
Affirmative
Subject + shall + base verb + rest of the sentence
We shall meet again soon.
Negative
Subject + shall + not (shan’t) + base verb + rest of the sentence
We shall not (shan’t) be late.
Question
Shall + subject + base verb + rest of the sentence
Shall we go for a walk?
When Do We Use “Shall”?
1️⃣ Making Offers
2️⃣ Making Suggestions
3️⃣ Formal Promises and Declarations
4️⃣ Talking About the Future (Formal Use)
5️⃣ Expressing Legal or Official Obligations
Will vs. Shall – Comparison Table
WILL |
SHALL |
|
|---|---|---|
Affirmative |
||
Subject + will + base verbI will call you later. |
Subject + shall + base verbI shall call you later. (formal) |
|
Negative |
||
Subject + will not (won’t) + base verbI won’t be late. |
Subject + shall not (shan’t) + base verbI shan’t be late. (formal) |
|
Question |
||
Will + subject + base verb?Will you help me? |
Shall + subject + base verb?Shall I help you? |
|
Usage |
||
Used for general future statementsI will start a new course. |
Used for formal future statementsThe course shall begin on Monday. |
|
Used for promisesI will always be there for you. |
Used for formal commitmentsYou shall receive your payment. |
|
Used for spontaneous decisionsI will have a coffee. |
Used for polite suggestionsShall we have coffee? |
|
Used for requestsWill you open the window? |
Used for offersShall I open the window? |
|
Used in the first conditionalIf you study, you will pass. |
Used for legal obligationsEmployees shall follow company rules. |
|
Summary of Key Differences
(It will be sunny tomorrow.)
✔ Future plans
(We will travel next year.)
✔ Decisions made at the moment
(I’ll take the blue one.)
✔ Requests
(Will you help me?)
✔ Promises
(I will always support you.)
✔ First conditional
(If you eat too much, you will feel sick.)
(Shall I bring you some coffee?)
✔ Suggestions
(Shall we go to the beach?)
✔ Formal obligations
(Employees shall arrive on time.)
✔ Formal future statements
(The meeting shall begin at 10 a.m.)
✔ Legal language
(The tenant shall pay rent on the first of each month.)
