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.

Prediction

FOR THE FUTURE

EXAMPLES:
We shall all retire one day.
Do you think it will be busy 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

FOR NOW

EXAMPLE:
Don't phone now! They'll probably be having lunch. They usually have lunch at this time.

PAST IN THE FUTURE

EXAMPLE: By this time tomorrow, I'll have finished all my shifts.

Intention

OFFERING

EXAMPLES:
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.

ASKING FOR HELP

EXAMPLES:
Will you mail this for me?
What shall I say to her?

NOTICE: could (Unit 29) is more polite

REFUSING

EXAMPLES:
The cash register won't work. ( = will not)
He won't tell me the answer.

PROMISES AND THREATS

EXAMPLES:
We'll never forget your hard work and dedication to the company.
I'll fire you if you do that again.

MAKING DECISIONS

EXAMPLES:
I think I'll try on this purple skirt.
I'll have this purple skirt, please.

NOTICE: do NOT use be going to (Unit 37)

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Exercise 31.1