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 die one day.
Do you think it will rain 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 exams.
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 car won't start. ( = will not)
He won't tell me the answer.
PROMISES AND THREATS
EXAMPLES:
We'll never forget your kindness.
I'll kill you if you do that again.
MAKING DECISIONS
EXAMPLES:
I think I'll visit my parents this weekend.
I'll have coffee, please.
NOTICE: do NOT use be going to (Unit 37)