Will or shall

Question

When do use will or shall.

Mike in Japan · Accepted Answer

The two are virtually the same. Shall is not used as much as will in modern English and, as Ryan Smith pointed out in September, tends to sound more formal.

Raul · Answer

"Will" is used in all persons to talk about the future.

I will probably never be rich.
Where will you be this time tomorrow?
We will see what we can do for you.
This won't take long.

"Shall" is also possble in first person (I and we) with the same meaning. However, when we talk about strong intentions for the future, making offers, volunteering or insisting, "will" is used, but not "shall".

A: The door-bell's ringing.
B: I will go

I will stop smoking

A: It's on me.
B: No, no. I will pay.

In questions, "shall" is used to ask what we ought to do, or to offer to do things for people, or to make suggestions.

What shall we do?
Shall we go out for a drink?
Shall I open the window for you?

"Will" is not possible in questions with these meanings. Compare:

What time shall I come this evening?
(= what time ought I to come? - implies obligation)

What time will I be in London if I take the 9:15 train?
(a simple question about future)

However, this valid for BrE and, as Mike and Ryan indicated, "shall" is used mainly in formal settings.

Will or shall

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