ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: Shall or Will

CalifJim — Thu, 04 Nov 2004 05:21:26 GMT

You don't really ever have to use "shall".

Yours is an example of somewhat legalistic language in which "shall" is used almost as an imperative, a statement of what is expected of someone. "will" could have been used, but "shall" is more emphatic in such statements.

Another case is in asking politely what you are expected to do, in the formula "Shall I ...?" or "Shall we ....?"

"Shall we meet at one o'clock?"
"Shall I begin now?"

Other than in these cases, and perhaps in a very small number of others which other forum members may add, "will" is almost always used in preference to "shall", at least in American English.

Re: Shall or Will

someuser — Thu, 04 Nov 2004 05:02:41 GMT

Well I'd use shell to express something that should be done or is to be done, that is to say you emphasize the fact that someone has to do something bu using shall.
The word will in turn is used to express that something is going to be done by someone, so it emphasizes the fact that something will be done in the future.

Eg:
I shall eat this = I should eat this
I will eat this = I'm going to eat this

Shall or Will

ed73 — Thu, 04 Nov 2004 03:30:35 GMT

Hi

When do I use shall or will? I got confuse at times.

Example

All debris including topsoils, boulders and shrubs (shall) be removed from work site. Upon completion of land clearance work, all erosion measures (shall) be taken as stated in clause 12 of the specification, dated March 18, 200_. Maintenance of soil erosion measures (shall) be required from the date of installation until this Letter of Intent is terminated on/about April 15,200_.

End of example.

Thanks in advance.

Ed