‘Shall’ and ‘will’ in English Grammar are both modal verbs, a subset of auxiliary verbs. They are used to express modality. They are different from other verbs for their defectiveness and neutralization. Their prime usage is expressing the proposition of the future, usually called the ‘future tense’ in elementary English.
She will return tomorrow by bus.
- To express an intention or wish.
Example- I will buy the car of my dreams.
We will submit the assignment on time.
We will make up for the inconvenience caused.
- To express a request.
Example- Will you please pass me the water?
Will you help me with the assignment?
Will you shut the door after you?
- To command or order.
Example- Students will do the assignment on time.
Will you let me live in peace?
Will she shut up?
- To express a habit of third person pronouns.
Example- He will mess it up.
She will live up to the expectations of her family.
Main Differences Between Shall and Will in English Grammar
- In traditional English usage from a linguistic perspective, ‘shall’ is restricted to be used only with first persona pronouns, i.e. ‘I’ and ‘we’. Whereas ‘will’ is prescribed to be used with second and third persona pronouns.
- Exceptions in the above rule are only made when the sentence has a tone of determination or order. Only then, will is used with first persona pronouns and shall, with everything else.
- Shall is used with the first persona as its tone is indefinite and of certainty. Whereas will is used with second and third persona because of less certainty about them.
- On the one hand, the usage of shall is diminishing day by day because of its ambiguous meaning. Whereas on the other hand, will is replacing its usage because of its versatility.
- Shall is common in British English, whereas in American English, mostly, will is used.
Conclusion
‘Shall’ and ‘will’ are both modal verbs that express future happenings. Although rare in traditional English, in present-day English, they are very often used interchangeably. Yet, they are not synonymous. Traditional English provides rules for their usage, but in present-day English, the only rule that is followed is the rule of convenience.
‘Will’ and ‘shall’, both are used in a sentence when it dims fit and delivers the appropriate tone of the sentence. On the one hand, shall expresses certainty and an imperative tone, whereas, on the other hand, it is also used to express politeness. Similarly, in some sentences, will express the desire or wish, whereas, in other sentences, it also has a tone of command. Thus, their usage solely depends on the speaker.
References
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/english-today/article/i-shall-and-i-will/EDE409372C337849E5A6B52D4A932834
- https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110895339.267/html