Will-Shall | Commonly Confused Words
Learn languages with fun

Master confusing words with ease

Will vs. Shall

Will

/wɪl/
A word used to express future actions or decisions.

Examples:

Thou hast willed it to be so, thyself.'All these wills are very confusing,' I said."You wont do any such thing," Mrs. Preble spoke up briskly.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Shall

/ʃəl/
Used to express future intention or obligation, especially in formal contexts

Examples:

But, by then, we shall both be far away.'I shall never forget the kind way their hands explored me.We shall take the measure of this reflection.'

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Will is commonly used for future intentions or plans and promises.
  • Shall is often used in formal or legal contexts.
  • In modern usage, will is more prevalent than shall.
  • In British English, shall is sometimes used for offers and suggestions, especially with I and we.
  • Will typically doesnt imply any formal obligation, while shall' might indicate a promise or requirement in legal terms.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd