Will vs Shall: Understanding the Terms

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Does "Will" Mean in Plain Words?

"Will" is a word used primarily to talk about what is going to happen in the future. When someone says, "I will call you tomorrow," they are making a promise or plan to make that call. It simply tells about what someone intends to do or expects to happen. "Will" is the most common way to express the future tense in everyday English, whether in writing or speech.

For example, if you say, "I will finish my homework tonight," it shows your intention. It can also express predictions, like "It will rain this afternoon," which means you think rain is expected.

In legal contexts, "will" also has another meaning. It can refer to a legal document called a last will and testament, which states how a person wants their property distributed after they die. For instance, "I will leave my car to my niece" means the car goes to the niece after the person passes away.

To recognize "will" in regular language, remember it often pairs with subjects like "I," "you," "we," and "they," followed by the base form of the verb: "will eat," "will go," "will see."

What Does "Shall" Mean in Plain Words?

"Shall" is a more formal verb than "will," traditionally used to show strong intention, obligation, or requirement. In everyday American English, "shall" is less common but might appear in polite offers or suggestions, such as "Shall we start the meeting?" which means "Should we start?"

In legal or formal writing, "shall" is used to express duties or commands. For example, a contract might say, "The tenant shall pay rent on the first of each month." This means paying rent is not just what will happen but what the tenant is required to do.

"Shall" gives a sense of certainty and obligation rather than just simple future action. It is often used when it is important to clarify that something must happen, not just might happen.

Understanding "shall" can be tricky because it can sound old-fashioned or formal. For instance, in laws, you might see phrases like "All employees shall comply with safety regulations," which means it is mandatory.

How Do "Will" and "Shall" Work? A Simple Example

To see how "will" and "shall" function differently, imagine a lease agreement that includes these two sentences:

1. "The tenant will pay rent on the first of each month."
2. "The tenant shall pay rent on the first of each month."

Both sentences talk about a future event—the tenant paying rent. However, the first sentence using "will" simply states what will happen or what someone expects. The second sentence using "shall" creates a binding obligation. If the tenant does not pay rent on time, the second sentence implies the tenant has broken a rule or contract.

Here is a practical example to clarify:

• If an employer says, "You will attend the meeting on Monday," it may sound like an expectation or plan.

• If a company policy states, "You shall attend the meeting on Monday," it means attending is required and not optional.

In everyday usage, "will" is the go-to word for talking about future actions. "Shall" is reserved for formal instructions or legal commands.

Why Does Understanding "Will" and "Shall" Matter?

Understanding the difference between "will" and "shall" is important because it affects how you interpret promises, commitments, and requirements in everyday life and legal settings. Misreading "shall" as just a future action instead of an obligation could cause you to miss important duties, deadlines, or responsibilities.

For example, if a contract says, "The borrower shall repay the loan within 30 days," it means the borrower is legally required to do so. If you thought "shall" meant only future intent, you might not realize the seriousness of the obligation.

This knowledge is especially important when signing contracts, reading laws, or handling legal documents. It helps you know when something is mandatory versus when it is merely planned or predicted.

Here are some specific reasons why it matters:

• Contracts: "Shall" creates binding duties. Misunderstanding could lead to legal trouble.
• Wills and Estates: "Will" expresses how property is distributed after death.
• Everyday Communication: Using "will" versus "shall" changes politeness or urgency.
• Legal Compliance: Knowing "shall" means must helps avoid breaking rules.

Recognizing these differences improves both your communication and your ability to protect your rights.

What Related Terms Are Commonly Mixed Up with "Will" and "Shall"?

People often confuse "will" with similar words that sound alike or have related meanings. Here are a few common terms mixed up with "will" and "shall":

• Will vs Would: "Would" is the past tense or conditional form of "will." It is used for hypothetical situations or polite requests. For example, "I would go if I had time." See more on their differences in Will vs Would.

• Will vs Going To: Both express future actions, but "going to" often indicates a planned action or something certain to happen soon. For example, "I am going to travel next week" versus "I will travel next week." Learn more in Understanding Will and Going To Rules in English.

• Shall vs Should: "Should" expresses advice or suggestions, not obligation. "You should eat healthy" means it is a good idea, while "You shall eat healthy" is a command (rare outside legal contexts).

• Will as a Document vs Will as a Verb: "Will" can mean a legal document explaining how property is distributed after death, which is different from the auxiliary verb form expressing future tense. For more, see Will vs Trust.

Knowing these differences helps you avoid confusion and communicate more clearly.

How Can You Use "Will" and "Shall" Correctly in Your Writing?

Using "will" and "shall" correctly depends on the context and the message you want to send. Here are some practical tips and example sentences to guide you:

• Use "will" when:
• Talking about future plans or predictions: "I will visit my parents this weekend."
• Making promises or offers: "I will help you with your project."
• Expressing willingness or decisions: "I will answer your questions."

• Use "shall" when:
• Writing formal or legal documents to express obligation or duty: "The contractor shall complete the work by December 1."
• Making formal offers or suggestions (mostly British English): "Shall we begin the meeting?"
• Expressing strong determination in formal contexts: "We shall overcome these challenges."

Example Table: Using "Will" vs "Shall"

When writing or reading contracts or laws, check if the sentence implies something mandatory (use "shall") or just future intent (use "will"). This will help you draft or interpret documents correctly.

What Should You Do Next to Master These Terms?

To better understand and use "will" and "shall," try these steps:

1. Read Formal Documents Carefully: Look at contracts, leases, or policies and notice how "shall" and "will" are used. Pay attention to obligations indicated by "shall."
2. Practice Writing Sentences: Write sentences describing future actions using "will" and duties using "shall." For example, "I will attend the meeting" versus "I shall complete all assigned tasks."
3. Ask for Clarification: If you see "shall" in a document and are unsure about your responsibility, ask the person who gave you the document or seek legal advice.
4. Use Reliable Resources: Explore resources that explain legal and grammar rules, or talk to educators or legal professionals for help.
5. Learn Related Terms: Review differences between "will," "would," "shall," and "should" to avoid confusion.

By actively practicing and reading, your confidence in understanding and using these words will improve, helping you communicate clearly and understand your rights and duties in various situations.

Frequently asked questions

Can "shall" be used instead of "will" in everyday conversation?

In everyday American English, "shall" is rarely used except in polite offers or suggestions like "Shall we begin?" Most people use "will" to talk about the future. "Shall" mainly appears in formal or legal language.

Does "will" always indicate a promise?

Not always. "Will" often shows future actions or intentions but can also express predictions or habits. For example, "It will snow tomorrow" predicts weather without making a promise.

Are "shall" and "should" interchangeable?

No. "Shall" indicates obligation or command, while "should" offers advice or suggestion. "You shall submit the form" means it is required; "You should submit the form" means it is recommended.

How does "will" relate to a legal will document?

"Will" can mean a future action or a legal document stating how a person’s property is distributed after death. The meaning depends on context.

Why is "shall" less common in American English today?

"Shall" sounds formal or old-fashioned in casual speech, so Americans mostly use "will." However, "shall" remains important in legal and formal writing to express duties or rules.