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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
"shall" after "if"
Hello,
I'm wondering whether it is correct to use "shall" in a conditional sentence. For example "If you shall call me, I will.." I realize it is somewhat archaic, but is it at all correct? I know it is incorrect to use the future tense after "if" but does that include the form "shall"? Should it be "should" after "if"?
Thanks!
I'm wondering whether it is correct to use "shall" in a conditional sentence. For example "If you shall call me, I will.." I realize it is somewhat archaic, but is it at all correct? I know it is incorrect to use the future tense after "if" but does that include the form "shall"? Should it be "should" after "if"?
Thanks!
Top answer
After if , use will : 'Let's have a picnic tomorrow. ' 'Shall' is not at all archaic ; it is alive and well in daily use by millions of people. What makes you think it is incorrect to use the future tense after if ?
- After if , use will : 'Let's have a picnic tomorrow.
- ' 'Shall' is not at all archaic ; it is alive and well in daily use by millions of people.
- What makes you think it is incorrect to use the future tense after if ?
- You are right in thinking that 'should' (also 'would') is frequently used after if .
- ' Rover
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4 Answers
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After if, use will:
'Let's have a picnic tomorrow. If you will bring some beer, I'll make the sandwiches.'
'Shall' is not at all archaic; it is alive and well in daily use by millions of people.
What makes you think it is incorrect to use the future tense after if?
You are right in thinking that 'should' (also 'would') is frequ
'Let's have a picnic tomorrow. If you will bring some beer, I'll make the sandwiches.'
'Shall' is not at all archaic; it is alive and well in daily use by millions of people.
What makes you think it is incorrect to use the future tense after if?
You are right in thinking that 'should' (also 'would') is frequ
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Thanks for the reply.
What I was taught at school (I am not a native English speaker) is that after "if" and "when" you need to use the simple present: "If you bring some beer, I will make the sandwiches".
"would" after "if" implies an improbable/impossible event.
Perhaps it's different in British and American English?
So is "shall" considered present tense as well as future?
What I was taught at school (I am not a native English speaker) is that after "if" and "when" you need to use the simple present: "If you bring some beer, I will make the sandwiches".
"would" after "if" implies an improbable/impossible event.
Perhaps it's different in British and American English?
So is "shall" considered present tense as well as future?
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AnonymousWrong!!! There is NO would/will after if!There can be:
If you will come with me, I'll take you to Mr Postule's office.
If you'd like a drink, just help yourself.
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