I shall proceed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I shall proceed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating your intention to move forward with a task or action, often in a formal context. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I shall proceed with the necessary adjustments to meet the client's requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I shall proceed to my tale and promise you no more questions".

The New Yorker

So, with the hope that the following pages will accomplish some good and instruction for its readers, I shall proceed with my narrative.

The New York Times

"I shall proceed to describe, to the best of my power, what occurred under my own eyes, and to state the facts which I have heard from men whose veracity is unimpeachable, reserving to myself the exercise of the right of private judgment in making public and in suppressing the details of what occurred on this memorable day".

The New York Times

I shall proceed to wrap my body in barbed wire, throw acid in my face, and do penance.

Huffington Post

His strongest appeal to Irwin regarded the salt tax: If my letter makes no appeal to your heart, on the eleventh day of this month I shall proceed with such co-workers of the Ashram as I can take, to disregard the provisions of the Salt Laws.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"This case shall proceed to trial," said O'Neill, who will be the judge in Cosby's trial.

The Guardian

"We shall proceed to expel you from the Internet and systematically dismantle the Church of Scientology in its present form," the voice said.

The New Yorker

On the basis that it is so far beyond parody as to very likely have hailed from another dimension, we shall proceed straight to the text of the document.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

B. A flashing upraised hand (symbolizing dont walk) signal indication means that a pedestrian shall not start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal indication, but that any pedestrian who has already started to cross on a steady walking person (symbolizing walk) signal indication shall proceed out of the traveled way.

The New Yorker

We shall proceed by induction.

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

We shall proceed by considering various cases.

Boundary Value Problems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I shall proceed" with a clear statement of purpose to enhance the impact. For example, "I shall proceed with the investigation to uncover the truth."

Common error

Avoid using "I shall proceed" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I will continue" or "I'm going to proceed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I shall proceed" functions as a declaration of intent. It is a performative utterance, indicating that the speaker is committing to a future action. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts, reinforcing its function as a formal statement of moving forward with a task or narrative.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I shall proceed" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a formal intention to move forward. Though less common in modern English, it conveys a sense of determination, and deliberation. As indicated by Ludwig, it's more appropriate for formal contexts, such as academic writing, legal documents, or speeches, rather than casual conversation. Alternatives like "I will continue" or "I intend to proceed" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality. While grammatically sound, overuse in informal settings can sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I will continue

Replaces "shall" with "will", making it slightly less formal and more common in contemporary English.

I am about to proceed

Expresses that the action will happen in the very near future.

I intend to proceed

Substitutes "shall" with "intend to", adding a layer of deliberateness to the action.

I plan to proceed

Indicates a planned action, similar to intending to proceed but with a focus on planning.

I am set to proceed

Expresses readiness and preparation to proceed.

I am going to proceed

Uses a more conversational and less formal construction to express the same intention.

I will be proceeding

Uses the future continuous tense, suggesting an ongoing or habitual action in the future.

I will move forward

Emphasizes the forward motion of the action, replacing "proceed" with a more general phrase.

I shall carry on

Emphasizes continuation of an existing activity. "Carry on" might imply something was interrupted.

I am proceeding

Implies that the action is happening right now or will happen imminently.

FAQs

How can I use "I shall proceed" in a sentence?

You can use "I shall proceed" to indicate your intention to move forward with a task or action, often in a formal context. For example: "After reviewing the data, "I shall proceed" with the analysis."

What can I say instead of "I shall proceed"?

You can use alternatives like "I will continue", "I intend to proceed", or "I am going to proceed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I shall proceed" or "I will proceed"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "I shall proceed" is more formal and less common in contemporary English. "I will proceed" is generally preferred in most situations.

What is the difference between "I shall proceed" and "I will proceed"?

"I shall" was traditionally used for first-person future actions, while "I will" was used for second and third persons. Nowadays, "I will" is more commonly used for all persons, making "I shall proceed" sound more formal or archaic.