What is the difference between will and shall in modern spoken English?
For example I have the following sentences:
He will arrive on Tuesday.
He shall arrive on Tuesday.
Are there any rules specifying usage of will and shall?
Reopen note:
I looked at this question here:
But that question is about the use of the first person with will and shall. In addition one of the comments under here states that will and shall are NOT used in the same way in modern English. The linked-to question says they ARE. Which of these is correct and why?
Answer
The main use of the auxiliary verbs Shall and Will is to form the Simple Future. However these days, the use of Shall to form the Simple Future is becoming rare (especially in the US).
With modern English Grammar the Simple Future is usually formed with Will.
Shall is often used to make suggestions, offers or ask for advice (with questions using I and We):
- Shall I carry your Bag? (Offer)
- Shall I get you a cup of coffee? (Offer)
- Shall we go out tonight? (suggestion)
- Shall we take a break? (suggestion)
- Shall I call again on Thursday? (Seeking Advice)
- What shall we do with this? (Seeking Advice)
Shall and Will are used to make promises, commands or threats:
- There shall/will be no trespassing on this property. (Command)
- You shall/will pay for this. (Threat)
- You shall/will get your money back soon. (Promise)
In American English Shall is still commonly used in Formal or Legal documents.
- You shall abide by the law. (Legal)
For more information the references are below:
Cambridge Dictionary
Grammar-Monster.com
My English Pages
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