shall please

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall please" is correct and usable in written English, though it is somewhat formal and less common in modern usage.
You can use it in contexts where you are making a polite request or expressing a desire for someone to do something, often in legal or formal documents. Example: "The committee shall please provide their recommendations by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The very word, Latin for "I shall please," carries a faintly unwholesome connotation.

The New York Times - Magazine

The placebo effect, as this phenomenon is known from the Latin for "I shall please"—is one of the strangest things in medical science.

The Economist

From the Latin for "I shall please", the term placebo was applied to hired mourners in the 14th century who were paid to weep for the dead.

The Guardian - Opinion

He murmured, "I believe in perfect faith that there will be a resurrection of the dead at a time when it shall please the Creator.

The New Yorker

In medieval times, hired mourners participating in Vespers for the Dead often chanted the ninth line of Psalm 116: "I shall please the dead in the land of the living".

The New Yorker

Placebo is Latin for "I shall please," and for two centuries the word has been used to refer to inactive treatments given to make patients happy.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Let's all make a Web 2.0 gadget company, shall we? Please pick one item from column A and one from column B. Heck.

TechCrunch

shall be such as his Majesty shall be pleased to appoint.

Independent

We shall be pleased to comply with any requirements the court may have for the supply of further evidence".

Independent

We have heard favourable reports about you and if you are interested we shall be pleased to send you a ticket to London, and we are prepared to pay your expenses over the period of the trial".

The Economist

Asked why he chose to go to the United States when the American Government was hostile to him, General Castro replied: "I shall be pleased to get to know the United States and to live among a people, noble and generous, as are all peoples essentially industrious".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shall please", ensure the context is formal, such as legal documents or official correspondence. In contemporary English, consider alternatives like "will satisfy" or "aim to please" for a less archaic tone.

Common error

Avoid using "shall please" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more modern alternatives like "will be happy to" or "will try to" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall please" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating a future action with the intent to satisfy or comply. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English, but is considered somewhat formal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall please" is a grammatically correct verb phrase primarily used in formal contexts to express an intention to satisfy or comply. Ludwig AI confirms its usability while noting its formality. Although not frequently used in contemporary English, it remains relevant in legal, academic, and official documents. When choosing an alternative, consider the level of formality required. For less formal situations, phrases like "will satisfy" or "aim to please" might be more appropriate. Understanding the context and intended audience is crucial when deciding whether to use "shall please" or a more modern alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will satisfy

Replaces "shall" with "will", making it slightly less formal but retaining the sense of future action and satisfaction. It expresses a firm intention to please.

desire to fulfill

Emphasizes a strong personal wish to meet obligations or satisfy expectations, adding a layer of personal investment.

wish to satisfy

Replaces the assertive "shall" with a more gentle "wish" introducing a nuance of desire or hope rather than obligation or firm intention.

aim to please

Shifts the focus to intention and effort. This phrase suggests a deliberate attempt to meet someone's expectations.

intend to gratify

Expresses a clear intention to bring pleasure or satisfaction, highlighting a deliberate choice to do so.

endeavor to satisfy

Uses more formal vocabulary, emphasizing a serious effort to fulfill requirements or desires.

be inclined to please

Indicates a natural tendency or disposition to satisfy others, suggesting a personal trait rather than a specific action.

strive to gratify

Implies a strong and persistent effort to bring pleasure or satisfaction, often in a more profound or meaningful way.

be happy to oblige

Suggests a cheerful willingness to assist or comply, shifting the focus to the pleasure derived from fulfilling a request.

seek to accommodate

Focuses on adjusting or adapting to meet the needs or wishes of someone, highlighting flexibility and willingness.

FAQs

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

You can use "shall please" in formal contexts to express a commitment to satisfy or comply. For example, "The committee shall please provide their recommendations by the end of the month."

What are some alternatives to "shall please"?

Alternatives include "will satisfy", "aim to please", or "be happy to oblige" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "shall please" considered formal?

Yes, "shall please" is considered a formal expression. It is more commonly found in legal or official documents than in everyday conversation.

When should I avoid using "shall please"?

Avoid using "shall please" in informal settings or casual conversation. It may sound overly formal or unnatural. Opt for more relaxed alternatives like "will try to" or "will be happy to".