shall
shal
Shall (verb) means used before a verb, traditionally with "I" or "we", to express simple future tense. Example: “I shall return by evening.”
verb
1
Used before a verb, traditionally with "I" or "we", to express simple future tense.
"I shall return by evening."
"We shall be arriving at the station shortly after noon."
"I shall write to you as soon as I get there."
2
Used to express strong intention, obligation, or a promise.
"You shall not pass this point without a permit."
"Tenants shall pay the rent on the first day of each month."
"I promise that you shall have your money back by Friday."
3
Used in questions offering to do something or suggesting an action.
"Shall we go for a walk?"
"Shall I carry that heavy bag up the stairs for you?"
"Shall we ask the waiter for the bill now?"
How to use shall
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA more formal or old-fashioned way of expressing the future or a firm intention, mostly used with "I" and "we".
When to use it
In modern everyday English, "will" has mostly replaced "shall" except in formal, legal, or British usage.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
shall we
I shall
you shall not
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Word forms
- Past tense
- should
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I _____ return by evening.
Etymology
From Old English sceal, related to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to owe" or "to be obliged".
Synonyms
View more →
will
going to
Related words
Rhymes for shall
See all rhymes for shall →Frequently asked questions
What does “shall” mean?
The word “shall” means used before a verb, traditionally with "I" or "we", to express simple future tense. In plain terms, a more formal or old-fashioned way of expressing the future or a firm intention, mostly used with "I" and "we".
How do you pronounce “shall”?
“Shall” is pronounced shal (/ʃæl/ in IPA).
How do you use “shall” in a sentence?
Here is “shall” used in a sentence: “I shall return by evening.”
What part of speech is “shall”?
“Shall” is a verb.
Where does the word “shall” come from?
The word “shall” comes from Old English. From Old English sceal, related to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to owe" or "to be obliged".
Is “shall” a common word?
“Shall” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “shall” have?
“Shall” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used before a verb, traditionally with "I" or "we", to express simple future tense.
What is the difference between 'shall' and 'will'?
Traditionally, 'shall' was used with 'I' and 'we' for the simple future, while 'will' was used with 'you', 'he', 'she', and 'they'. To show determination, the pattern reversed. In modern English, 'will' has largely taken over, and 'shall' now sounds formal or is kept for offers and legal texts.
Is 'shall' still used today?
'Shall' is far less common than it once was, especially in American English, where 'will' or 'going to' usually replace it. It survives in formal or legal writing, where 'shall' expresses obligation, and in polite questions like 'Shall we begin?'. In everyday British speech it now sounds slightly formal.
When should I use 'shall'?
Use 'shall' for polite offers and suggestions, as in 'Shall I open the window?' or 'Shall we go?'. It also appears in formal rules and contracts to state a requirement. For ordinary statements about the future, 'will' is now the natural, more common choice in both speech and writing.
What is the difference between 'shall' and 'should'?
'Shall' points to the future or expresses a requirement, as in 'We shall arrive at noon'. 'Should' expresses advice, expectation, or obligation, as in 'You should rest'. Though they are historically related, they are not interchangeable: one is mainly about what will happen, the other about what is advisable.
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