shall and should

[**C@RL$$**]

are these 2 sentenses means the same
if not explain why

what shall we give her as a gift

what should we give her as a gift

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by **C@RL$$**

[are] Do these 2 sentences mean[s] the same.
if not explain why

what shall we give her as a gift

what should we give her as a gift

The general intent is the same in that both are asking for the listener's opinion as to what the gift will/should be.

I'd say that 'should' is only slightly more tenative in this case.

'shall' holds the same meaning and force as 'will' and 'be going to'.

What will we give her as a gift?

What are we going to give her as a gift?

[banderas]

Originally Posted by **C@RL$$**

are these 2 sentenses means the same
if not explain why do these 2 sentences mean the same?

what shall we give her as a gift

what should we give her as a gift

I agree with riverkid

[David L.]

With the first person ('I' or 'we'), 'shall' indicates future tense:
What shall we buy her as a gift when we go shopping tomorrow?

'should' is used to give, or ask for, advice or suggestions:
What gift should we buy her?

[riverkid]

Originally Posted by David L.

With the first person ('I' or 'we'), 'shall' indicates future tense:
[color="Blue"]What shall we buy her as a gift when we go shopping tomorrow?

English doesn't have a future tense, David.


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M-W

usage From the reams of pronouncements written about the distinction between shall and will—dating back as far as the 17th century—it is clear that the rules laid down have never very accurately reflected actual usage. The nationalistic statements of 18th and 19th century British grammarians, who commonly cited the misuses of the Irish, the Scots, and occasionally the Americans, suggest that the traditional rules may have come closest to the usage of southern England. Some modern commentators believe that English usage is still the closest to the traditionally prescribed norms. Most modern commentators allow that will is more common in nearly all uses. The entries for shall and will in this dictionary show current usage.

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