verb

will

wih

verb

A modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty.

"I will call you as soon as I land."

"The meeting will start at nine tomorrow."

To want or intend something strongly; to choose to do it.

"Say what you will, I'm not changing my mind."

"He willed himself to keep running despite the pain."

To leave property or possessions to someone through a will.

"His grandfather willed him the family farm."

noun

A person's inner drive or determination to do something.

"Sheer will got her through the last mile of the marathon."

"Nothing could break his will to succeed."

A legal document stating who should receive a person's property and belongings after they die.

"She left the house to her daughter in her will."

"He updated his will after the birth of his second child."

How to Use Will

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the helper verb for talking about the future ('I will go'), or a noun meaning strong determination or a legal document about inheritance.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the verb 'will' (future tense) with the noun 'will' (a legal document) — context makes it clear, but learners sometimes mix up 'free will' (choice) with 'a will' (the document).

Common pairings

make a will strong will against my will will power

Word Forms

would past tense, willed past tense, would past tense, will plural, would plural, wills plural, Wills plural, will singular, would singular, wilt singular, willest singular, willst singular, wouldst singular, wouldest singular, wills singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

I _____ call you as soon as I land.

Etymology

From Old English willan ("to want, wish"), a very old Germanic word related to German wollen and Dutch willen.

Rhymes for will

ill kill mill sill bill till hill fill Jill dill gill pill

See all rhymes for will →