Key Difference: The words Will and shall are types of model verbs in the English language. There is so much confusion when using these words because we don’t know their exact meanings of them. In order to use them properly, we might want to know the differences between them. The word “Shall” can be used when we talk about the future. Whereas, the word “will” can be used when we plan or intend to do something. You need to know that, these two words are model verbs in English.
Will: They will see you in the library?
Shall: Shall we go for a ride?
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Will:
Have a tendency to do something.
The word “will” is used to express future plans or expectations. We can use it when we intend to do something. Let’s see an example to make it clear for you. What will you do if you miss the bus? In this question, we might understand that someone asks In case, you miss the bus then what will you do to reach there. We come up with one more example to make it simple. Tom said it will never happen again, forgive me. From this statement, we understand Tom requests someone that he will not repeat the mistake.
How Do We Spell the Word Will?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Will is wɪl. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word affect using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly.
- The word “Will” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Will” in sentences:
- I will catch the bus today.
- She will be able to attend the class at 8 AM.
- I will surely help you.
- Don’t worry. Things will get better.
- Will you teach me how to solve this problem?
Shall:
Expressing an intention.
The word “Shall” is a model verb that can be used with the subjects I and We. This word is used with the base form of the main verb in a sentence in English. Usually, it refers to the future tense. We generally say like “Shall we go for a walk“. The term “Shall we” is a polite expression for Let’s go. It is the present form of the verb. Let’s see an example sentence to make it clear. Shall we go to a movie?. From this statement, we might understand that someone asks to go to a movie.
How Do We Spell the Word Shall?
Phonetics pronunciation of the word Shall is ʃal,ʃ(ə)l. And this word sounds like the following audio.
Enunciation:
Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Shall” by syllables.
- The word “Shall” has only one syllable.
- It cannot be divided.
Using “Shall” in sentences:
- Shall I make dinner for you?
- I shall be at your home tomorrow.
- Shall I continue the presentation?
- We shall see the movie tonight.
- Shall we do this work together?
Compare: Will and Shall
This table will show you the contradiction between the words Will and Shall.
| Will | Shall | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It refers to have an intention to do something. | It refers to future action. |
| Synonym | Have a tendency to, have a habit of, do | Have to, must, need, ought to |
| Antonym | Indetermination, hesitance | must not |
| Parts of Speech | Model verb | Model verb |
| Etymology | Old English wyllan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch willen, German wollen, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin velle ‘will, wish’. | Old English sceal, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zal and German soll, from a base meaning ‘owe’. |
| Examples | I will paint the house. She will come with you tomorrow. Will you do me a favor? He will take care of her. It will take a few years to grow the tree. | Shall I make some lunch for you? We shall go to the park later. What shall we do after watching this movie? We shall do everything to solve the problem. The professor shall begin his talk at 10:30 AM. |
Resources and References:
Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Will, Shall), Merriam-Webster (Will, Shall), Collins Dictionary (Will, Shall), Dictionary.com (Will, Shall)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org[1], Merriam-Webster.com[2], CollinsDictionary.com[3], Dictionary.com[4].