Will and Shall

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I was wondering about the difference between using the words "will" and "shall" in sentences. I know the word "will" is used to show emphasis.
Can they be used interchangeably without being incorrect?

Thanks,
Jumas.

 

[Tdol]

I\we shall is used less and less in BE. However, the emphatic form 'you shall' is still common. It is also used in questions 'shall I' and 'shall we' for advice and suggestions. It is, I believe, rarely used in AE. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

I don't remember the last time I heard the word shall.

 

[Casiopea]

I don't remember the last time I heard the word shall.

Shall we dance, RonBee?

 

[Tdol]

In BE, 'shall' is common in questions, either like Casiopea's or when asking for advice (What shall I do?). As a simple future, it's used less, although you do here the emphatic form 'yes, you shall', especially from angry parents. I can't remember the last time I heard 'shan't', though,. ;-)

 

[RonBee]

I don't remember the last time I heard the word shall.

Shall we dance, RonBee?

Okay, you lead.

:wink:

 

[RonBee]

In AE shall seems to be restricted for the most part to highly formal statements.

For example:

• It shall be done.

Caseopia's "invitation" notwithstanding, most people these days would probably say, "Do you wanna dance?"

(I don't get to use notwithstanding very often.)

:wink: