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Uranicus Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Shall, shan't, will or won't

I have always been confused on the usage of "shall" and "shan't".

"I shall arrive in the morning". "I will arrive in the morning".

"I shan't be there". "I won't be there".

What do you think? Are these words "shall" and "shan't" archaic?
  

Top answer

They may as well be considered archaic in American English. S. you can live your entire life without ever using the words shall and shan't .

— CalifJim

  • They may as well be considered archaic in American English.
  • S.
  • you can live your entire life without ever using the words shall and shan't .
  • The only exception which occurs with any frequency is the first person question form: Shall I call them now?
  • ) Shall we go?
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3 Answers
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They may as well be considered archaic in American English.
In the U.S. you can live your entire life without ever using the words shall and shan't.

The only exception which occurs with any frequency is the first person question form:

Shall I call them now? (Would you like me to call them now?)
Shall we go? (It's time to go. Let's go. How about
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They still appear quite a lot in British English.
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Shall and shan't reveal intention whereas will and won't state fact.

I use shall and shan't to be sassy for example:

1. "Will you make me a cup of tea"

"No, I shan't, it's your turn."

2. "Well, I shan't be gracing her with my presence again soon, she is an exceptionally rude host.

3. "You aren't actually going to say that to his face are you?

"I certai

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