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"Shall" and "will" are both used to talk about the future in English, but their usage patterns have diverged significantly over the centuries. In modern English, "will" has become the standard choice for the future tense in almost all contexts, while "shall" has been largely relegated to offers, suggestions, formal or legal language, and certain fixed expressions. Understanding when to use "shall" versus "will" requires knowledge of both current everyday usage and more formal registers of English. This guide covers every aspect of these two modal verbs with clear examples and practical advice.
Table of Contents
Will for the Future
"Will" is the primary modal verb for expressing the future tense in modern English. It is used for predictions, spontaneous decisions, promises, offers, and statements about what will happen in the future.
Predictions
It will be sunny tomorrow.
The world's population will reach 10 billion by 2050.
She will probably get the job — she's the best candidate.
Spontaneous Decisions
"There's no milk." — "I'll go to the shop and get some."
The phone is ringing. I'll answer it.
I think I'll have the pasta, please.
Promises and Offers
I will always love you. (promise)
I'll help you with your homework. (offer)
We will deliver the package by Friday. (commitment)
Shall for Offers and Suggestions
In modern English, the most common and natural use of "shall" is in questions with "I" and "we" to make offers and suggestions. This use is standard in both British and American English and does not sound old-fashioned.
Shall I...? (Offers)
Shall I open the window? (Would you like me to?)
Shall I carry that bag for you?
Shall I make you a cup of tea?
Shall I call a taxi?
Shall We...? (Suggestions)
Shall we go for a walk? (What do you think?)
Shall we order pizza tonight?
Shall we start the meeting?
What shall we do this weekend?
Important: "Shall I/we...?" in questions is about asking what the other person wants or prefers. It is not simply about the future — it is about offering or seeking agreement on a course of action. Compare: "Shall we leave?" (suggestion — what do you prefer?) vs. "Will we leave?" (prediction — is it going to happen?).
Shall in Formal and Legal English
In legal, contractual, and official documents, "shall" is used to express obligation, requirement, or duty. In this context, "shall" means "is required to" or "must." This is one of the most important contemporary uses of "shall."
The tenant shall pay rent on the first of each month. (is required to)
All employees shall comply with the company's code of conduct.
The contractor shall complete the work within 90 days.
Members shall not disclose confidential information.
"Shall" also appears in formal proclamations, religious texts, and ceremonial language:
We shall overcome. (Martin Luther King Jr.)
Thou shalt not steal. (Biblical — archaic form of "shall")
The winner shall receive a trophy and a cash prize.
The Traditional Rule
The traditional rule taught in older British English grammar books states that "shall" is used with first person (I/we) for simple future, while "will" is used with second and third person (you/he/she/it/they). For emphasis, determination, or promise, the pattern reverses: "will" with first person and "shall" with second and third person. This rule is now considered archaic and is not followed in modern English.
| Traditional Rule (Historical) | Modern Practice |
|---|---|
| I/We shall go. (simple future) | I/We will go. (standard modern usage) |
| I/We will go! (determination) | "Will" is used for all meanings. |
| You/He will go. (simple future) | Same — "will" for all subjects. |
| You/He shall go! (command/promise) | Rare except in legal/formal contexts. |
Modern Usage: British vs American
The use of "shall" varies significantly between British and American English. Understanding these regional differences helps you communicate appropriately in different contexts.
British English
"Shall" is still used in British English, primarily for offers ("Shall I help?"), suggestions ("Shall we go?"), and formal/legal language. Some older speakers may still use "shall" with I/we for the simple future ("I shall be there at 8"), but this is becoming less common among younger speakers.
American English
"Shall" is much rarer in American English. It is primarily confined to legal language, "Shall I/we...?" questions, and very formal rhetoric. Using "I shall" for the simple future in American English would sound noticeably formal or old-fashioned to most listeners.
Shall I / Shall We: Common Patterns
The "Shall I/we" pattern is the most productive and universally accepted use of "shall" in modern English. Here are the most common expressions and their functions:
| Expression | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Shall I + verb? | Offering to do something | Shall I close the door? |
| Shall we + verb? | Suggesting an activity | Shall we dance? |
| What shall I/we + verb? | Asking for instructions | What shall I bring to the party? |
| Where shall we + verb? | Asking for preference | Where shall we eat tonight? |
Negatives: Won't vs Shan't
"Won't" (will not) is the standard negative form for the future. "Shan't" (shall not) exists in British English but is very rare in modern usage and virtually unknown in American English.
I won't be late. (standard — universal)
I shan't be late. (rare — very formal British English)
We won't accept this. (standard)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Using "Shall" with Third Person for Simple Future
Incorrect: He shall arrive at 5 p.m. (sounds like a command or legal obligation)
Correct: He will arrive at 5 p.m. (simple future prediction)
Mistake 2: Using "Will I" Instead of "Shall I" for Offers
Odd: Will I open the window? (sounds like asking for a prediction)
Natural: Shall I open the window? (offering to do it)
Mistake 3: Overusing "Shall" in Casual American English
In American English, using "shall" outside of "Shall I/we...?" questions and legal language can sound pretentious or out of place. Stick with "will" for general future statements.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Shall or Will?
1. ___ I carry your suitcase? (offering help)
2. I think it ___ rain tomorrow. (prediction)
3. ___ we go to the cinema tonight? (suggestion)
4. The contractor ___ complete the work by June. (legal obligation)
5. I ___ call you when I arrive. (promise)
Answers
1. Shall I carry your suitcase?
2. I think it will rain tomorrow.
3. Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
4. The contractor shall complete the work by June.
5. I will / 'll call you when I arrive.
Summary
"Will" is the standard modal verb for the future tense in modern English, used for predictions, decisions, promises, and offers across all subjects and in both British and American English. "Shall" has a more limited but important role: it is used in questions with I/we for offers ("Shall I help?") and suggestions ("Shall we go?"), in legal and formal language for obligation ("The tenant shall pay"), and occasionally in formal rhetoric. The traditional rule that "shall" is used with I/we for the simple future is now largely obsolete. By understanding the modern distribution of "shall" and "will," you will be able to communicate naturally in both casual and formal English while avoiding common pitfalls.
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