shall happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to indicate that something is expected to occur in the future. Example: "The changes to the policy shall happen at the beginning of the next fiscal year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"What shall happen to the corrupt?" "Kill them all," giggles one of the Nigerian guests.

The Guardian

"I don't think that nowadays these results shall happen.

BBC

"I hope it shall not happen again but, as a coach, I know it shall happen again".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I am determined that that shall not happen".

The New York Times

Mr. Dorgan added, "If the Supreme Court rules that the counts ordered by the Florida Supreme Court shall not happen, I think it's pretty much the end of the line".

The New York Times

"I realize, from last night, that I'm capable of something I shall never allow to happen.

The New York Times

Seriously, if that does not happen we shall naturally hope to get our money back".

The Guardian - Books

If we allow that to happen, we shall deserve our fate.

The Guardian

A certain amount of thinking must enter your slumbering head, and to make that happen, I shall now leave you here, alone.

The Guardian - Books

"It is a method whereby I'm locked in a cell until I'm dead – no matter if it should take 70 or 80 years to happen, I shall be dead the next time I leave jail".

The Guardian

Now if it does not happen, I shall go and play in either Turkey or the Gulf countries.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider "shall happen" when aiming for a slightly archaic or elevated tone. This can add a touch of gravitas to your writing, especially when discussing significant or solemn events.

Common error

Avoid using "shall happen" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality can sound unnatural or pretentious in everyday contexts; simpler alternatives like "will happen" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall happen" functions as a modal verb construction, indicating a future event with a sense of certainty or obligation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in formal contexts. It's often used to express inevitability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shall happen" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a future event with certainty or obligation. As Ludwig confirms, it appears primarily in formal contexts such as legal documents and news reports. While less common than alternatives like "will happen", its use can add a touch of gravitas or authority to writing. Remember to reserve "shall happen" for formal settings to avoid sounding unnatural in everyday conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will come to pass

Emphasizes the eventual fulfillment or occurrence of an event, often with a sense of destiny or inevitability.

is bound to happen

Indicates a strong likelihood of an event occurring, often due to certain conditions or circumstances.

will transpire

A more formal and sometimes literary way of saying "will happen", often used to describe events unfolding over time.

is destined to occur

Highlights the preordained or inevitable nature of an event, suggesting fate or a predetermined course.

is set to occur

Similar to "is slated to happen", but may also imply a more natural or predictable sequence of events.

will take place

Focuses on the scheduled or arranged occurrence of an event, suggesting a planned activity.

is slated to happen

Emphasizes the scheduled or planned nature of an event, implying a specific timeline or agenda.

will materialize

Suggests that something will become real or concrete, often implying a process of development or formation.

will eventuate

A formal synonym that signifies an outcome or result that will eventually become apparent.

will unfold

Suggests that a series of events will gradually reveal themselves, often implying a sense of mystery or anticipation.

FAQs

How do I use "shall happen" in a sentence?

Use "shall happen" to express a strong likelihood or inevitability, particularly in formal or legal contexts. For example, "The consequences outlined herein shall happen if the agreement is breached."

What is a less formal alternative to "shall happen"?

If you want a less formal way to express something that will occur, consider using phrases like "will happen", "is going to happen", or "will occur".

When is it appropriate to use "shall" versus "will"?

Traditionally, "shall" was used with "I" and "we" to indicate future tense, but this is now largely archaic. "Shall" is now primarily used in formal contexts to express obligation or certainty, as in "shall happen", while "will" is the standard future tense auxiliary verb.

Is "shall happen" interchangeable with "will happen"?

While both indicate a future event, "shall happen" carries a stronger sense of certainty or obligation and is typically reserved for formal or legal contexts, unlike "will happen".