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Usage of will and shall

In general, use will to talk about the future and shall to make formal obligations, commands, or solemn promises. For simple future statements, use "I/we will" or "he/she/it/you/they will," as "shall" with these subjects is very formal or outdated. In questions, use "Shall we...?" for suggestions or offers. In American English, "will" is used for all subjects to express the future, while "shall" is rare.

Modern usage (especially American English)

Will: is used for most future actions, predictions, and intentions.

Example:

"We will go to the park tomorrow".

Example:

"It will be sunny next week". Shall: is largely avoided in modern, informal English.

Traditional and formal usage

Simple future:

The traditional rule uses "shall" with the first person ("I," "we") and "will" with the second and third person ("you," "he," "she," "it," "they").

Example:

"I shall begin my work now".

Example:

"He will start the project".

Determination, command, or promise:

This rule is reversed, with "will" for the first person and "shall" for the second and third.

Example:

"We will finish this project on time!" (determination).

Example:

"You shall not pass!" (command).

Formal obligations:

"Shall" is used to express strict requirements or duties.

Example:

"All applicants shall submit their documents by Friday".

Specific uses of Shall

Suggestions and offers (questions with I/we): Use "Shall we...?" to suggest something or offer help.

Example:

"Shall we eat lunch?".

Example:

"Shall I help you with that?".

Formal statements and rules:

Use "shall" in very formal language to express a duty or a formal obligation.

Example:

"The tenant shall pay rent on the first day of the month".

Formal promises:

"Shall" can express a formal or very serious promise.

Example:

"We shall overcome this difficult challenge".