There is more than one form that can be used when talking about the future, I see these forms as will and shall, but many people face the problem of the difference between will and shall in English, especially since they both carry the same meaning, also What is the difference between will and shall then? In this article, we will show you a full explanation of the difference between will and shall in English and provide some practice answers for training.
Explain the difference between will and shall
Will and shall are both modal verbs, and they are also used to express the future. The following verbs are all infinitives, that is, without any addition.
The future tense is the easiest to use due to its simplicity, but despite this many people confuse the difference between will and shall, as we’ll show you in the next section.
Meaning and usage of will in English
Will is one of the most common forms of the simple future tense, and one of the most common forms, will is an auxiliary verb that is used with the main verb to indicate the future tense.
It can also be used to express what will happen in the future or to foretell something, and it can also be used to express a person’s intention, desire, ability or habit, or to make an order or statement about something.
The auxiliary verb will also has many uses, the following table lists the most important uses of will:
| use | illustration | example |
| uncertain forecast | Any use of will to express those events that are expected to occur in the future but are uncertain, that is, there is no evidence that they | I think the train will arrive in 15 minutes
I think the train will arrive in 15 minutes |
| intention and desire | will can be used to express what you intend to do or want to do | Ahmed will give his brother money to start his own business
Ahmed will give his brother money to start his own business |
| need | will can also be used to ask for something | “Will you allow me to speak to him?” Ahmed said to his manager’s secretary.
“Can you let me talk to him?” Ahmed said to his manager’s secretary |
| release order | will can be used to issue commands to others | You will no longer bother your brother.
= You won’t bother your brother anymore. |
| customary expression | When we use will on a third party, we mean it will do its own thing | John is on stage and he will rock the stage with his wonderful singing.
John is on stage and he’s going to rock the stage with his amazing singing |
Meaning and Usage of Shall in English
After we have become familiar with the meaning of will and its usage in English, and our framework for discussing the difference between will and shall, we will now move on to the meaning and usage of shall, which is used especially with the pronouns I and we.
| use | illustration | example |
| talk about the future | Shall is especially useful when talking about the future with the pronouns I and we. | Next month we will be celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary.
= We will be celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary next month. |
| ask questions and make suggestions | Shall is used for asking questions and making suggestions, especially the pronouns I and we. | Shall we go to the club tonight?
= Shall we go to the club tonight? |
| mentioned something that was sure to happen | Another use of shall is to express something that is sure to happen. | Don’t worry, we’ll get the documents for you today.
= Don’t worry, we’ll get the file for you today. |
| quotation | Shall can also be used to make an offer or provide something to someone. | May I get you some coffee and cake?
= May I get you some coffee and cake? |
What is the difference between will and shall in English?
Now that we’ve shown you the meanings and most important uses of will and shall, you might want to know exactly the difference between them. Here are some points that explain the difference between will and shall in English:
• Will is used to express a future action, make an uncertain prediction, anticipate something, or indicate an intention, while conversely, shall is used to express a formal expectation or planned future action, and to ask a question.
• Will is used a lot in English, but rarely because it’s not commonly used.
• Shall is used especially with the pronouns I and we to plan or predict and make predictions in sentences expressing the future, and will is used with other pronouns for the same purpose.
The difference between will and shall in English
Here are some exercises to practice the difference between will and shall in English and make sure you understand the lesson well:
1. ………….. Sir, may I carry this box for you?
2. Ahmed……………talking and doing everything all the time. This is his habit.
3. ……… You give me your laptop?
4. …………Shipping reps waiting for shipping product previews?
5. This machine…………………..Works great
Answer
1. Will
2. will
3. will
4. Will
5. will
