We shall see

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "We shall see" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it where you want to express uncertainty about something, or to express that you will wait and see what will happen. For example: "Do you think the new policy will be successful?" "We shall see."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

We shall write T1 < T2 when T1 ≤ T2 and T2 ≰ T1 and we shall write T1 ≡ T2 when both T1 ≤ T2 and T2 ≤ T1.

SEP

We shall show (1.6) in Theorem 1.2 by combining Proposition 2.1 with Proposition 2.2.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We shall consider 3 microarray studies of HESCs: Battacharya[ 16], Sperger[ 17] and Sato[ 18].

BMC Genomics

We shall randomise 60 to BITES and 60 to standard care.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

"We shall have 14 beautiful spaces, spread among 15 smaller cities," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

We shall show (3.3).

Fixed Point Theory and Applications

We shall write x3 instead of [xxx].

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We shall prove (1) by using mathematical induction.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

We shall illustrate 20 examples of radiographer-annotated lesions and correlate them with their corresponding mammograms and ultrasounds.

Breast Cancer Research

We shall show that ((1 Longrightarrow (2)Longrightandow(4)Longrightarrow(1)) and ((3 Longrightarrow (2)Longrightarrow(4)Longrightarrow(3 Longrightarrow

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

In this example we shall solve (4.7) on [ 0, 1 / 2 ].

Advances in Difference Equations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "We shall see" when you want to express a polite but firm reservation about a future outcome. It conveys both uncertainty and a willingness to observe what happens, without necessarily taking immediate action.

Common error

Avoid using "We shall see" when immediate action or a clear decision is required. Its passive tone can suggest indecisiveness or a lack of concern, which may not be appropriate in critical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "We shall see" functions as an idiomatic expression of uncertainty or guarded optimism regarding a future event. The Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct. It is used to convey a sense of anticipation, suggesting a willingness to wait and observe the unfolding of events.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "We shall see" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey uncertainty and anticipation about future events. While deemed correct by Ludwig, its frequency is currently missing in Ludwig's database. The Ludwig AI notes its versatility in expressing a polite reservation about an outcome. When immediate action is needed, alternatives like "time will tell" or "let's wait and see" might be more suitable. This phrase functions to express reservation and has a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts without sounding overly formal or casual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Only time will tell

Similar to "Time will tell" but adds emphasis.

Time will tell

Emphasizes the revealing nature of time itself.

That remains to be seen

Similar to "It remains to be seen" but refers to a specific thing.

It remains to be seen

More formal way of expressing uncertainty about a future outcome.

Let's wait and see

More directly suggests a passive approach to observing future developments.

I guess we'll see

Informal and indicates a lack of control over the situation.

The future is uncertain

Highlights the unpredictability of events without a specific focus.

We'll find out

Suggests a process of discovery or investigation.

The proof is in the pudding

Indicates that the real value or success can only be judged after it has been tried.

Que sera, sera

Expresses a fatalistic acceptance of whatever will happen.

FAQs

How can "We shall see" be used in a sentence?

"We shall see" is typically used as a standalone response to a question or statement about a future outcome, expressing uncertainty or anticipation. For instance, "Will the project be completed on time?" "We shall see."

What's a more modern alternative to "We shall see"?

While "we shall see" is grammatically correct, it can sound dated. Consider using phrases like "time will tell" or "let's wait and see" for a more contemporary feel.

Is it "we shall see" or "we will see"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "we shall see" traditionally expresses more doubt or reservation, while "we will see" simply indicates a future observation. However, in modern English, "we will see" is more common and often used interchangeably.

When is it inappropriate to use "We shall see"?

Avoid using "we shall see" in situations that require immediate action or clear decision-making. Its passive tone may convey a lack of concern or decisiveness.