What does "shall" mean?

1. (making a suggestion) you use this in questions to suggest an idea or ask for advice. 2. (future plans) a formal way to say 'will' when talking about the future. 3. (rules and laws) used in formal rules to say that something must happen.

How do you use "shall"?

Only used with 'I' or 'we' in this sense. Used with second and third person subjects in legal documents.

Is it correct to say "I shall probably to see you tomorrow."?

No — say "I shall probably see you tomorrow.". Like all modal verbs, 'shall' is followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.

shall

US //ˈʃæɫ// UK //ʃˈæl// shall

1 making a suggestion (v.)
A2 Elementary

you use this in questions to suggest an idea or ask for advice.

used in interrogative sentences with the first person to offer a suggestion or request instructions.

Example

Shall we go for a walk after we finish our coffee?

Example

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.
- should
2 future plans (v.)
B1 Intermediate Formal British English

a formal way to say 'will' when talking about the future.

used as a future marker, traditionally restricted to the first person singular and plural in formal registers.

Example

I shall be away on holiday for the next two weeks.

Example

We shall eventually reach a decision, though the complexity of the legal framework requires a more thorough review than initially anticipated.

Teacher's tip

In modern speech, 'will' is much more common; 'shall' can sound very formal or old-fashioned to some speakers.
- will
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'.

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3 rules and laws (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

used in formal rules to say that something must happen.

used in legal or administrative contexts to express a mandatory requirement or obligation.

Example

The tenant shall pay the rent on the first day of every month.

Example

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.
- must

Origin

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).