shall

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shall" is correct and usable in written English.
"Shall" is used to express obligation or determination by the speaker to take an action, or to show the intention of the speaker. For example, "We shall finish this project by the end of the week".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We shall see.

The New York Times

In the unlikely event we have to replace a tutor, we shall make every effort to ensure the replacement tutor has similar expertise to the one advertised.

The Guardian

You shall remain liable for the fees although we may, at our discretion, refund you a proportion of the fees where we have been able to reallocate your place.

The Guardian

3. The Promoter shall use and take care of any personal information you supply to it as described in its privacy policy, a copy of which can be seen here and in accordance with data protection legislation.

The Guardian

It is intended to recall the grim statement by Sir Edward Grey, then foreign secretary, in August 1914: "The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime".

The Guardian

"We shall triumph over all this evil that wants to debase our humanity or obstruct our progress as a nation," he vowed.

The Guardian

"Where there are differential crime rates between nationalities, it is perfectly legitimate to point this out and to discuss it in the public sphere and I shall continue to do so.

The Guardian

In its ruling, the court sided with Taylor, determining that Kobach "shall not include Taylor's name on any ballots" in the forthcoming Senate election.

The Guardian

Shall we? – Celt23 I'm spoiling my paper.

The Guardian

Shall I just walk away from the woman of my dreams?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I shall not refuse the request of the people of my country, but I will ask them to help," he reportedly said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shall" to express a strong declaration of intent or obligation, particularly in formal or legal writing. In modern English, "will" is often preferred for simple future tense, but "shall" can add emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "shall" in everyday conversation or informal writing where "will" sounds more natural. Overusing "shall" can make your writing sound overly formal or archaic.

Linguistic Context

Shall functions primarily as an auxiliary verb, typically used to express future tense (especially with I and we), obligation, or determination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. Examples include expressing intention ('I shall go') or obligation ('You shall obey').

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The auxiliary verb "shall" is used to express future tense, obligation, or determination. Ludwig AI indicates that "shall" is grammatically correct and usable in modern English. While "will" is now more commonly used for expressing future tense, "shall" can still be used to express a strong declaration of intent, especially in formal contexts. It's prevalent in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. When aiming for formality or emphasis, "shall" remains a viable choice. However, in everyday conversation, "will" is often preferred for its natural sound.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will

Indicates a future action or intention, similar to "shall" but more commonly used in modern English.

should

Expresses obligation, expectation, or a conditional statement, providing a softer alternative to "shall".

must

Indicates a strong obligation or necessity, conveying a more forceful command than "shall".

are required to

Expresses obligation in a more formal and explicit manner, suitable for legal or official contexts.

are obligated to

Similar to "are required to", this phrase denotes a formal duty or commitment.

it is necessary to

Highlights the necessity of an action, replacing the more direct "shall" with a descriptive phrase.

it is essential to

Emphasizes the importance of an action, offering a stronger sense of necessity than "shall".

is going to

Indicates a future action with a sense of intention or plan, serving as a less formal alternative to "shall".

intend to

Expresses a deliberate plan or intention, replacing the sense of obligation in "shall" with a personal commitment.

plan to

Indicates a planned action or event, often used in less formal contexts than "shall".

FAQs

How do I use "shall" in a sentence?

"Shall" is primarily used to express future tense with "I" and "we", or to express obligation or determination. For example, "I shall go to the store" or "You shall not pass!".

When should I use "shall" vs "will"?

In modern English, "will" is generally used for future tense with all subjects. "Shall" is reserved for more formal contexts or to express a strong intention with "I" and "we". Consider using "will" in most cases.

What are some alternatives to "shall"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "will", "should", or "must" to express similar ideas.

Is it incorrect to use "shall" in modern English?

While less common than "will", using "shall" is not inherently incorrect. It's important to consider the context and desired level of formality. Overusing "shall" can sound archaic.