will
Will (verb) means a modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty. Example: “I will call you as soon as I land.”
How to use will
Learner’s notesIn 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.
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).
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
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.
Related words
Rhymes for will
See all rhymes for will →Frequently asked questions
What does “will” mean?
The word “will” means a modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty. In plain terms, either the helper verb for talking about the future ('I will go'), or a noun meaning strong determination or a legal document about inheritance.
How do you pronounce “will”?
“Will” is pronounced wih ([wɪɫ] in IPA).
How do you use “will” in a sentence?
Here is “will” used in a sentence: “I will call you as soon as I land.”
What part of speech is “will”?
Depending on how it is used, “will” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “will” come from?
The word “will” comes from Old English. From Old English willan ("to want, wish"), a very old Germanic word related to German wollen and Dutch willen.
Is “will” a common word?
“Will” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “will” have?
“Will” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a modal verb used to talk about the future, often with a sense of intention or certainty.
What is the difference between "will" and "shall"?
Both refer to the future, but "will" is by far the more common in modern English. "Shall" survives mainly in questions that offer or suggest something ("Shall we dance?") and in formal or legal documents, where it expresses obligation.
What is the difference between "will" and "would"?
"Would" acts as the past form of "will" ("He said he would call") and expresses hypothetical or polite meanings ("I would love that," "Would you mind?"). "Will" states future intention or certainty more directly.
What is the difference between "will" and "going to"?
"Going to" usually signals a plan already made or something clearly about to happen ("I'm going to visit Rome in May"). "Will" is common for decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and predictions ("I'll get the door").
Does "will" take an "-s" with "he" or "she"?
No. As a modal verb, "will" keeps the same form for every subject: "she will," never "she wills" in the future sense. The form "wills" exists only for the separate verb meaning to want, intend, or choose something strongly.
Example sentences
Real-world examples showing will in context, drawn from published sources. Any opinions expressed are those of the original source and do not reflect the views of FreeDict.com.
A wave of expansion will see the league reach 18 markets by 2030 after nearly two decades of stagnation at 12 teams.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include will: