A few days ago I was asked to to expain how to use SHALL and WILL and I decided to post this blog for everyone to be able to read it.
To use SHALL/SHOULD with the first-person subject sounds old-fasionate now.
In modern English, especially in American English SHALL is used very rarely. Internationally, WILL is the standard choice for expressing future plans and expectations, promises and much more. However, we sometimes use SHALL in the following cases:
1. In the questions implying immediate reaction:
"It is so hot here. Shall I open the window?"
"Sure. Please, do"
We can also use SHOULD, but it will sound like asking the advice. Let's consider another example.
"What shall I do with this problem?"
Asking such a question I mean I will follow the recommendation as soon as I hear it.
But if I ask, "What should I do with this problem?" I mean I'd like to hear other opinions, to think them over and to make up my mind about what to do. I hope you feel the difference.
2. With a third-person subject for stating some requirements:
The rent shall be paid monthly.
You can come acrosss such expressions mostly in some official documents like business/lease contrats/agreements.
We can also use MUST in this sentence.
3. To show the strong intention:
I shall be there to help you out!
Well, in this sentence we can also use WILL and it will sound like a promise.
4. To make something sound old-fashionate or dramatic:
I shall never forget that day! (it sounds dramatic. It means that on that day I experienced some tragedy or I pretend to sound like that).
If I use WILL in this sentence, most probably I will mean some pleasant events I don't want to forget.
For example:
I got in a car crash that day and I shall never forget it!
I will never forget the day when I met my wife!
Well, I have to say that in British and Amerivan English we use some modal verbs differently. We use them differently even in the USA. So, I will be happy if British native speakes tell us their opinions.
And it would be really useful for learners to write some sentences with SHALL and WILL to feel the difference. I am always ready to correct your mistakes! Hahaha!
Comments
Frankly speaking, I thought the word SHALL was in the past.
I have never met it at the present time.
Dear Danny, may I not use this word at all?
Hahaha, dear Danny, I thought the same ... about prose and verses. Thanks.
Rose, but if you ask my advice, just go on writing prose and verses! We mostly do it for ourselves!
Dear Rose, let me correct and explain your sentences.
What do you think? Should I continue posting blogs despite only a few members __are interested in reading them? (You ask for advice)
Please tell me, should I delete some of my posts when I am disappointed with my mistakes? (The same)
Should I post more thrilling or funny blogs or shall I give up thinking too much about it? (The first part of your sentence sounds as asking for advice, but the second is just your readiness to do it. At least, I belive so!)
I will never forget the day of my first grandchild birth! (if you don't like it to sound very dramatic. But if you like, SHALL is OK)
There is something to celebrate , shall I open a bottle of champagne? (Correct!)
My mom needs help, I shall be there to support her. (in modern English WILL sounds more natural in this case, it will be a promise)
You shall be more responsible with your speech because there are kids here. (Sounds like an old-fashioned threat )
Dear Danny, here are some sentences:
What do you think? Shall I continue posting blogs because there are only few members they are interested in reading them.
Please tell me, shall I delete some of my posts when I am disappointed about my mistakes?
Shall I post more thrilling or funny blogs or shall I giving up to think too much about it?
I shall never forget the day of the birth of my first grandchild.
There is to celebrate something, shall I open a bottle of champagne?
My mom needs help, I shall be there to support her.
You shall be more responsible with your speech because there are kids here.
Thanks in advance for your corrections.
Thanks Danny for the explanation. it is helpful.
I will try not to repeat such mistakes in future.
1) He should have informed me before coming (It means that he had to inform you, but he didn't. It is correct)
2) You should not behave like a coward (Correct, it is an advice)
3) Would it not be better for you to confess your love to her? (Well, I don't like this sentence. I would say "I think it would be better for you to declare to her". But WOULD is OK)
4) I shall not repeat such mistakes again (Sounds old-fashioned. WILL is the best choice)
Well, Mishaikh, let me explain your sentences.
1) Would you explain the subject some further, please? (It is a polite request, just what we say. It is betetr to use PLEASE at the end of the question)
2) I shall come back. (sounds old-fashionated, nothing more)
3) I will come back. (it is modern and it is a promise).
More examples:
1) He should have informed me before coming.
2) You should not behave like a coward.
3) Would it not be better for you to confess your love to her?
4) I shall not repeat such mistakes again.
Thanks Danny for the explanation. Here are my examples:
1) Would you please explain the subject even further?
2) I shall come back. (a threat and or promise).
3) I will come back. (a firm promise).
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