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Cat navy 425 Posted 6 years ago
Grammar

Shall only in interrogative sentences.

Dear all,

I would like to know whether native English speakers are using the model auxiliary verb "shall" in their writings and conversation. I've heard that native speakers are now using "shall" only in interrogative sentences, in the first person e.g. Shall we buy a scooter? and in the second and third persons "will" is generally used e.g. Will he play for our team? Kindly tell me whether my observations are correct.


Thank you.

  

Top answer

Usage of "shall" may vary in different English-speaking regions. I am a BrE speaker, so my answer will be from that perspective. ".

— GPY

  • Usage of "shall" may vary in different English-speaking regions.
  • I am a BrE speaker, so my answer will be from that perspective.
  • ".
  • I also sometimes use "shall" in first-person affirmative sentences, such as "I shall ask him about that".
  • Use in first-person negative statements is reasonably common in BrE, often using the contraction "shan't": "I shan't be going there any more".
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2 Answers
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Usage of "shall" may vary in different English-speaking regions. I am a BrE speaker, so my answer will be from that perspective. I use "shall" as you describe – in first-person questions such as "Shall I put this here?" or "What shall we do now?". I also sometimes use "shall" in first-person affirmative sentences, such as "I shall ask him about that". Use in first-person negative statements is

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cat navy 425Kindly tell me whether my observations are correct.

They are certainly correct for speakers of English in the United States.

Even sentences of the type "Shall we buy a scooter?" are much more often rendered as "Should we buy a scooter?" And you are much more likely to be struck by lightning than ever to hear the negative "shan't".

I

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