How does it work? Will and shall

Joanne
Mar 26
2 min read

Updated: Jun 30

Will is used to talk about the future and to make decisions in the moment.

Shall is used to ask questions using I and we and to talk about the future, but only using I and we.

Important: Only use shall with I and we.

Will is used to talk about the future:

The weather forecast says it will be sunny tomorrow, let's go for a picnic.
I'll be home this evening. I don't have any plans to go out.
I won't be at work tomorrow. I have the day off.
Will you be at the meeting next week?

I/we/you/they/he/she/it will ('ll) or will not (won't) + infinitive (to form) of the verb.

Will I/we/you/they/he/she/it + infinitive (to form) of the verb (to form a question)

Will is often used with I think...

Look at those clouds, I think it will rain soon.
I don't think we'll need any more milk this week. We have enough in the fridge.
Do you think the exam will be difficult?

We use will when we make a decision in the moment:

"What would you like on your sandwich, ham or cheese?" "I'll have cheese, please."
"I have a headache." "I'll get you some paracetamol."
"I'm cold." "I'll get you a blanket."
Let's put our suitcases in our rooms and I'll meet you in reception in 15 minutes.
"What would you like to order?" "I'll have the salmon please."

Shall instead of will to ask questions

Sometimes we can use shall instead of will. This is used mainly in questions and only with I and we. It is used when we want to ask somebody's opinion: