then you shall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then you shall" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal or literary contexts to indicate a future action or command that is expected to be fulfilled. Example: "If you complete the task successfully, then you shall receive a reward for your efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He said: "Then you shall be Mick to me and I shall be Dick to you.

The Guardian - Books

If your love is destined, Dame Barbara decreed, then you shall find him.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And then you shall not fast here unless 'tis your own fault, as I am putting up some sheep to fatten".

The New York Times - Food

In the same list of rules, if a wife goes to the aid of her husband in a fight by seizing his foe's testicles "then you shall cut off her hand".

The Guardian - Opinion

"We can't get you Mickle tonight because it's far too late, long past your bedtime, but your birthday is the Friday after next, and then you shall have Mickle".

The Guardian

When his client Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford, asked Jones to add a chapel "as cheap as a barn" to his smart residential development built around the new Covent Garden piazza, the architect replied "then you shall have the handsomest barn in England".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

If I did not repent within that time then they said: "You shall know that you will no longer live in this world, we'll kill you".

BBC

If you think you're a great screenwriter in the making that is just going through the necessary ups and downs until you succeed, then so shall you become.

Huffington Post

"Then that's what you shall have.

The New Yorker

You shall then be able to see your Gold Bars increased.

WikiHow

"I think it is difficult because they might say 'well then, but what shall we cook then?' Then you feel like this, that you are a hassle to those who do the cooking.

BMC Nursing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "then you shall" in formal writing or when trying to evoke a sense of tradition or authority. It's particularly effective in legal documents, oaths, or literary works.

Common error

Avoid using "then you shall" in everyday conversation or casual writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "then you will" or "then you have to" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then you shall" functions as a conditional connector, linking a condition to a consequence. It emphasizes a future action or state that is contingent on fulfilling a preceding requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "then you shall" is a grammatically correct phrase primarily used to express a conditional consequence with a formal tone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not as common in contemporary English as alternatives like "then you will", it retains its value in legal, literary, and historical contexts. It's more frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate. The phrase's inherent formality and air of authority make it a powerful tool when used correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

then you will

Replaces the archaic "shall" with the more common "will", making the phrase less formal.

then you must

Conveys a stronger sense of obligation or necessity compared to "shall".

in that case you will

Adds a more explicit conditional element, clarifying the cause-and-effect relationship.

if so, you will

Introduces a condition with "if so", followed by a future action.

under those circumstances you will

Specifies the circumstances under which the future action will occur.

subsequently, you will

Focuses on the sequential nature of the events, highlighting that one follows the other.

thereupon you will

A formal alternative, similar to "subsequently", indicating what follows.

at that point you will

Emphasizes the specific moment when the future action will commence.

consequently, you will

Highlights the result or effect of a preceding action or condition.

as a result, you will

Directly states that the future action is a consequence of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "then you shall" in a sentence?

The phrase "then you shall" is used to indicate a consequence or a command that follows a condition. For example, "If you pass the test, "then you shall" receive a certificate".

What does "then you shall" mean?

It means that if a certain condition is met, a specific action or outcome is guaranteed or commanded. It implies a formal or somewhat archaic tone.

What are some alternatives to "then you shall"?

Alternatives include "then you will", "then you must", or "then you have to". The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "then you shall" commonly used in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "then you shall" is less common in contemporary English. It's mostly found in formal writing, historical texts, or when aiming for a specific stylistic effect. "Then you will" is generally more appropriate for everyday use.