Lesson

Will/shall

Will and shall usage

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Will / Shall — Introduction

Will and shall are modal verbs used to talk about the future, make offers, promises, requests, and express obligations in formal contexts. In modern English, will is the most common choice for predictions, decisions made at the moment of speaking, and promises. Shall is now less common and is mainly used with I and we for suggestions or offers, or in formal/legal language to express obligation.

  • Use 'will' for spontaneous decisions, predictions, and promises.
  • Use 'shall' with I/we for formal suggestions or offers (e.g., 'Shall we begin?').
  • Use 'shall' in legal or formal documents to express obligation (e.g., 'The Company shall pay').
  • Remember: contractions (I'll, we'll) are common with will; shall is more formal.

Table

Will / Shall — Uses and Examples

Use Form Example
Spontaneous decision Subject + will + base verb I'll send the proposal now.
Prediction Subject + will + base verb The market will improve next quarter.
Promise / Offer Subject + will + base verb I will help you with the presentation.
Suggestion (formal) with I/we Shall + subject + base verb? Shall we review the agenda?
Formal obligation (legal/contract) Subject + shall + base verb The Contractor shall deliver the software by May 1.
Negative form Subject + will not / won't; shall not / shan't (formal) We won't approve the budget. / They shall not disclose confidential data.

Tip

Key Rule — Choosing will or shall

Decide whether you need a prediction, a spontaneous decision, an offer/suggestion, or a formal obligation:

  • Use 'will' for predictions, promises, offers, and decisions made now: 'I will call the client.'
  • Use 'shall' with I/we for polite suggestions or offers: 'Shall we start the meeting?'
  • Use 'shall' in contracts or formal rules to express obligation: 'Supplier shall deliver on time.'

In everyday spoken English, 'will' is far more common; use 'shall' sparingly or in formal/legal contexts.

Example

Examples in context

I will prepare the budget report by Friday.

Shall we schedule a follow-up meeting next week?

The company shall comply with all applicable regulations.

I'll call you after the presentation to confirm the details.

Tip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watch for these universal errors when using will/shall:

  • Using 'shall' with all subjects: shall is normally used with I and we or in formal contexts, not with every subject.
  • Overusing 'will' for fixed timetables: scheduled events (timetables) often use the present simple or 'be going to' is clearer for plans.
  • Forgetting contractions in informal speech: 'I will' → 'I'll' is common and natural in conversation.
  • Mixing future forms incorrectly: don't combine 'will' with other future markers (e.g., avoid 'will be going to').
  • Using 'shall' incorrectly to express simple future in informal contexts — it can sound overly formal or old-fashioned.

Focus on function (promise, offer, obligation) rather than only the verb form.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about polite suggestions with I/we

Quiz

Complete: If you need assistance, I _____ help you.

Hint: Consider a voluntary promise or future willingness

Quiz

Which sentence uses 'shall' to express formal obligation?

Hint: Look for a sentence that states a rule or prohibition

Key Points

GrammarPoint

will

modal verb CEFR B1 //wɪl//

Used to express future actions, promises, predictions, and voluntary decisions.

I will approve the budget after the review.

GrammarPoint

shall

modal verb CEFR B2 //ʃæl//

Used (mainly with I/we) for suggestions or offers, and in formal/legal texts to express obligation.

Shall we confirm the delivery date?

Vocabulary

promise

noun / verb CEFR B1 //ˈprɒmɪs//

A statement assuring that one will do something or that something will happen.

She promised she would deliver the report on time.

Vocabulary

offer

noun / verb CEFR B1 //ˈɒfər//

To propose to do something for someone; an act of providing help or a service.

I'll offer to train the new employee next week.

Expression

formal obligation

noun CEFR C1 //ˈfɔːrməl əˈblɪɡeɪʃən//

An obligation stated in a formal or legal document, often expressed with 'shall'.

The agreement states that the vendor shall provide maintenance for two years.

GrammarPoint

contraction (I'll / we'll)

noun CEFR A2 //kənˈtrækʃən//

Shortened spoken forms (I will → I'll; we will → we'll) commonly used in informal speech and writing.

I'll attend the training session tomorrow.