Have you ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to use “shall” or “will”? You’re not alone!
These two small words may seem interchangeable, but they actually serve different purposes in English grammar.
Let’s explore when and how to use each one with simple examples that make it easy to remember.
Difference Between “Shall” and “Will”
“Shall” and “Will” are modal verbs used to talk about the future. However, they differ in tone, formality, and context.
- “Will” is more commonly used in everyday English. It expresses future intentions, promises, or decisions made at the moment of speaking.
- “Shall” is more formal and often found in legal documents, contracts, or British English. It can also express suggestions, offers, or obligations, depending on the context.
Here are some examples in daily conversations:
- “Shall we go for a walk after dinner?” (suggestion)
- “I will meet you at 5 PM.” (future plan)
When Should You Use “Shall”?
You should use “shall” when you're:
- Making a suggestion: “Shall we start the meeting?”
- Offering help: “Shall I carry that for you?”
- Giving instructions or expressing obligation (legal or official): “Employees shall wear ID badges at all times.”
While “shall” might sound outdated in American English, it’s still commonly used in British English and in written formal contexts, like contracts or rules.
Examples:
- “Shall we have coffee or tea?”
- “Shall I open the window?”
- “All documents shall be submitted by Monday.”
When Should You Use “Will”?
Use “will” when you want to talk about:
- Future actions or events: “I will call you tomorrow.”
- Promises or decisions: “Don’t worry, I will help you.”
- Predictions: “It will rain later this evening.”
This modal verb is the go-to word for future tense, especially in informal conversation.
Examples:
- “She will be here in 10 minutes.”
- “I will help you with your homework.”
- “You will love this movie!”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “shall” and “will” can sharpen your grammar and help you sound more fluent in casual to professional chats.
Practice using them in your everyday conversation and notice the difference!
Improve your English skills with EZClass now! Also, check out the EZClass blog to discover more interesting articles.
