If you’re learning English as an additional language (EAL), you might wonder about the difference between shall and will. Both are modal verbs used to talk about the future, but they have different uses, meanings, and levels of formality. In this post, I will explain the differences clearly and give you many examples to help you understand and use them correctly.
1. What Are Shall and Will?
Both shall and will are modal verbs that help express the future. When we want to talk about something that will happen later, we usually use will in modern English. However, shall is still used in certain situations, especially in British English and formal contexts.
2. Using Will for the Future
Will is the most common way to talk about the future for all subjects:
-
I will go to the market tomorrow.
-
You will like this movie.
-
He will arrive at 6 p.m.
-
They will help us.
Will is used to:
-
Express simple future facts or actions.
-
Make promises or offers.
-
Show willingness or decisions made at the moment.
Examples with will:
-
I will call you later.
-
She will be happy to see you.
-
We will meet at the café.
-
Don’t worry! I will help you.
-
Will you come to the party?
3. Using Shall for the Future (Traditional and Formal Use)
Traditionally, shall is used with the first person (I and we) to talk about the future, especially in formal or literary English:
-
I shall return before noon.
-
We shall overcome these problems.
This use is now less common in everyday conversation, especially in American English. It sounds formal or old-fashioned but is still taught because it appears in formal writing, legal language, or polite offers.
4. Using Shall to Make Offers or Suggestions
One important use of shall is to make polite offers or suggestions, especially in questions:
-
Shall I open the window? (Offer to do something)
-
Shall we go to the park? (Suggestion)
-
Shall I help you with that? (Offer)
This is very common in British English and polite conversation.
5. Differences Between Shall and Will for First Person
| Situation | Use of shall | Use of will |
|---|---|---|
| Simple future (traditional) | I shall go to the meeting. (formal) | I will go to the meeting. (common) |
| Promise or strong intention | I will do my best. | (less common with shall) |
| Offer or suggestion | Shall we start now? | Will we start now? (less common) |
6. Other Uses of Shall
-
Legal or official documents: “The tenant shall pay the rent on the first of every month.”
(Shall expresses obligation or requirement here.) -
Asking for instructions:
“What shall I do next?”
7. Will in Questions
When we use will in questions, it often asks about someone’s willingness or a future event:
-
Will you come with me?
-
Will she finish the work on time?
8. Summary: When to Use Shall and Will
| Use Case | Use will | Use shall |
|---|---|---|
| Talking about future events | I will travel next week. | (more formal) I shall travel next week. |
| Offers and suggestions | — | Shall I help you? Shall we go out? |
| Promises or decisions | I will do it. | — |
| Asking for advice or instructions | — | What shall I do? |
| Formal/legal obligations | — | The contract shall be signed by both. |
9. Extra Practice: Examples to Try
Fill in the blanks with shall or will:
-
______ we meet at 7 p.m.?
-
I ______ finish the report by tomorrow.
-
______ I open the door for you?
-
They ______ arrive late.
-
What ______ I say to her?
10. Final Tips
-
Use will for almost all future statements in everyday English.
-
Use shall mainly for polite offers, suggestions, or formal/legal English.
-
Don’t worry too much about shall — proficient speakers often just say will.
-
Listening and practicing conversations will help you understand when to use each one naturally.
