The use of 'will' and 'shall' , showing willingness

[aachu]

Sirs! How would I use 'will and 'shall' in a sentence that could show willingness (volition)?

 

[5jj]

Sirs! How would I use 'will and 'shall' in a sentence that could show willingness (volition)?

Use 'will'. Always.

 

[aachu]

Sir, could you give one such example that could show the proper use of 'will' in the sense of willingness?

 

[konungursvia]

Use 'will'. Always.

In academic writing, we still use "shall" with the first person, both in the singular and plural. It is less common to use will in such cases, in literature and the humanities.

 

[5jj]

In academic writing, we still use "shall" with the first person, both in the singular and plural. It is less common to use will in such cases, in literature and the humanities.

For volition?

 

[aachu]

In academic writing, we still use "shall" with the first person, both in the singular and plural. It is less common to use will in such cases, in literature and the humanities.

Sir I have learnt from a decrepit English Grammar book that 'will' is used with first person while 'shall' is used with second and third person, in case of volition that is, but I couldn't figure out their usage in the sense of willingness. A sentence would help me understand it.

 

[Hedwig]

Not a teacher

Sir I have learnt from a decrepit English Grammar book that 'will' is used with first person while 'shall' is used with second and third person, but I couldn't figure out their usage in the sense of willingness. A sentence would help me understand it.

I can't think how you would express volition in the 2nd or 3rd persons. In these cases, the use of shall would mean determination (on the part of the speaker) or promise.

I will sneak out to the cinema in spite of being grounded. (volition)

You shall have the bike for Christmas. (promise)

The prisoners shall be executed tomorrow. (determination, but it's the speaker's determination, not the poor chaps'.) :-(

NB: This is what we were taught in the 60's in ESL class. Nowadays, will has become standard use for simple futurity even for the first person. And many native speakers are unsure about the use of shall with the second and third persons.

 

[aachu]

Not a teacher

I will sneak out to the cinema in spite of being grounded. (volition)

My word! I didn't know what kind of sentence would it be. I have been using these kind of sentences from the age of 10.

 

[Hedwig]

My word! I didn't know what kind of sentence would it be. I have been using these kind of sentences from the age of 10.

You, naughty boy! :shock:

 

[konungursvia]

For volition?

No, I think it's just a carry-on of the old Oxbridge rules:

Normal

1 shall
2 will
3 will

Emphatic

1 will
2 shall
3 shall

 

[allenman]

No, I think it's just a carry-on of the old Oxbridge rules:...

That's what I was taught but I'm not sure many writers know these "rules"... but I stand by your response.

Not a teacher -- AmE native