WILL AND SHALL

Unit 31: WILL AND SHALL
Will and shall are modal verbs. Unit 27 shows you how to make correct sentences with them. This
unit shows you when to use them. Notice that we use shall only for 1st person (Unit 2); -‘ll is the
short form for both verbs.
USE EXAMPLES
1 Prediction
a for the future We shall all die one day.
Do you think it will rain tomorrow?
The manager will be writing to you soon.
I’ll be phoning him tonight.
NOTICE: ALSO be going to, present simple, present continuous: Unit 41 shows you the
differences between them
b for now Don’t phone now! They’ll probably be having lunch. They usually
have lunch at this time.
c past in the future By this time tomorrow, I’ll have finished all my exams.
2 Intention
a offering He’s next door. Just a minute and I’ll get him for you.
If you think it’s a good idea, I’ll phone him.
Shall I help you with that?
NOTICE: ALSO can (Unit 28) would (Unit 32). Use shall only in questions.
b asking for help Will you mail this for me?
What shall I say to her?
NOTICE: could (Unit 29) is more polite
c refusing The car won’t start. ( = will not)
He won’t tell me the answer.
d promises and threats We’ll never forget your kindness.
I’ll kill you if you do that again.
e making decisions I think I’ll visit my parents this weekend.
I’ll have coffee, please.
NOTICE: do NOT use be going to (Unit 37)