that shall be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that shall be" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that something will happen in the future, such as "The courts will decide who has ownership of the property, and that shall be the final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I shall not bear the torment!" and "I dread not all that shall be said!

The New Yorker

Who is it that shall be trusted to refrain from barbarity?

The Guardian

"The tale is old that shall be told," he informs us, "but where does it belong: within?

The Guardian - Music

The amendment says "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state".

The New York Times

The North Carolina amendment declares that "marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state".

The New York Times

The governor-general stepped forward, a small, portly figure, to read the first lesson, taken from 1 Corinthians: "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death".

The Guardian - Music

No simple word That shall be uttered at our mirthful board, Shall make us sad next morning or affright The liberty that we'll enjoy tonight.

The Guardian - Books

By John Updike The New Yorker, July 21 , 1975P. 24 Sapers lived rather shapelessly in a city that shall be nameless.

The New Yorker

This is how the proposal is phrased: Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.

The New Yorker

Tasks that shall be performed by document control center and vendor data controller are listed.

Practical Engineering Management of Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms

Information needed by the project manager that shall be prepared by planning discipline is listed.

Practical Engineering Management of Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that shall be" in formal contexts to add a touch of traditional or literary style. While grammatically sound, it can sound archaic in casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "that shall be" in everyday speech or informal writing. It can sound stilted or unnatural where simpler alternatives like "that will be" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that shall be" typically functions as part of a relative clause modifying a noun. It indicates a future state or event related to the noun being described. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that shall be" is grammatically correct and primarily used in formal and scientific writing to denote future events or states. While valid, it is often perceived as more formal and somewhat archaic compared to alternatives like ""that will be"". Ludwig's analysis shows its prevalence in science and news media, suggesting its suitability for professional and authoritative contexts. When aiming for a modern tone, consider using the more common alternative to avoid sounding overly traditional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that will be

This is a more common and contemporary alternative, replacing "shall" with "will" for a less formal tone.

that is going to be

This alternative uses a more colloquial construction to indicate a future event or state.

which will be

Using "which" instead of "that" slightly alters the focus, often used to add more information about something.

that is destined to be

This phrase adds a sense of inevitability or fate to the future occurrence.

that is to be

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes a plan or arrangement.

that should be

This suggests an expectation or recommendation rather than a certainty.

that must be

This indicates a necessity or strong likelihood.

that is bound to be

This implies a high probability based on current circumstances.

that is expected to be

This alternative focuses on anticipation or prediction of a future state.

that is anticipated to be

Similar to 'expected', this emphasizes the anticipation of something happening.

FAQs

How can I use "that shall be" in a sentence?

Use "that shall be" to indicate a future event or state, typically in formal or literary contexts. For example, "The outcome "that shall be" determined will affect all stakeholders".

What's a more common alternative to "that shall be"?

A more common alternative is "that will be", which is less formal and more frequently used in contemporary English.

Is "that shall be" more formal than "that will be"?

Yes, "that shall be" is generally considered more formal and somewhat archaic compared to the more common and modern "that will be".

When is it appropriate to use "that shall be" instead of "that will be"?

Use "that shall be" when aiming for a formal, traditional, or literary tone. In most other contexts, "that will be" is a suitable replacement.