Word
shall
US/ˈʃæɫ/
UK/ʃˈæl/
Definitions
01making a suggestion
A2 · Elementary
v. you use this in questions to suggest an idea or ask for advice.
v. used in interrogative sentences with the first person to offer a suggestion or request instructions.
“Shall we go for a walk after we finish our coffee?”
“Shall I contact the supplier directly, or would you prefer to handle the initial negotiations yourself?”
Usage
Only used with 'I' or 'we' in this sense.
Synonyms
02future plans
B1 · Intermediate Formal · British English
v. a formal way to say 'will' when talking about the future.
v. used as a future marker, traditionally restricted to the first person singular and plural in formal registers.
“I shall be away on holiday for the next two weeks.”
“We shall eventually reach a decision, though the complexity of the legal framework requires a more thorough review than initially anticipated.”
Pitfall
I shall probably to see you tomorrow.
I shall probably see you tomorrow.
Like all modal verbs, 'shall' is followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Teaching tip
In modern speech, 'will' is much more common; 'shall' can sound very formal or old-fashioned to some speakers.
Synonyms
03rules and laws
C1 · Advanced Law Formal · Technical
v. used in formal rules to say that something must happen.
v. used in legal or administrative contexts to express a mandatory requirement or obligation.
“The tenant shall pay the rent on the first day of every month.”
“The party of the second part shall ensure that all safety protocols are strictly observed for the duration of the contract.”
Usage
Used with second and third person subjects in legal documents.
Synonyms
Confusables
Will is the standard marker for future intent and prediction, while shall is restricted to formal offers, suggestions, or legal obligations.
RememberWill for the future; Shall for a formal offer.
Etymology
From Middle English schal (infinitive schulen), from Old English sċeal (infinitive sċulan (“should, must”)), from Proto-West Germanic skulan, from Proto-Germanic skal (infinitive skulaną), from Proto-Indo-European skel- (“to owe, be under obligation”). Cognate with Scots sall, sal (“shall”), North Frisian skal, schal, Saterland Frisian skäl, schäl, schal (infinitive skälle, schälle), West Frisian sil (infinitive sille (“shall”)), Dutch zal (infinitive zullen (“shall”)), Low German schall (infinitive schölen (“shall”)), German soll (infinitive sollen (“ought to”)), Danish skal (infinitive skulle (“shall”)), Icelandic skal (infinitive skulu (“shall”)), Afrikaans sal, Swedish skall (“shall”) (infinitive skola).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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