Irregular verbs  Regular verbs

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shall, not applicable, should

Synonyms: must, will, should, ought to, have to

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Antonyms: may, must not, cannot, need not, won't

The Verb Shall – Definition, Usage, and Clarification


The verb shall is a modal auxiliary verb. Traditionally, it was used to express the future tense with 'I' and 'we.' In modern English, its usage has become much more limited and is often considered very formal or archaic, especially in American English.


VERB FORMS


As a modal verb, 'shall' does not have infinitive, participle, or gerund forms.


■ Present: shall
■ Past: should (This has evolved to become a separate modal verb with its own meaning, typically for giving advice).
■ Negative: shall not (or the contraction 'shan't')


USAGE AND CONTEXT


In contemporary English, 'shall' is primarily used in three specific contexts.


1. Suggestions and Offers (with 'I' and 'we')
This is the most common and natural use of 'shall' in modern conversation. It is used in questions to make a suggestion or offer.


■ Suggestion: 'Shall we order a pizza tonight?'
■ Offer: 'It's getting dark. Shall I turn on the light?'


2. Expressing Future Tense (Formal)
This is the traditional grammatical use, now largely replaced by 'will.' It adds a tone of formality or solemnity.


■ Formal Statement: 'I shall return to the office on Monday.'
■ Famous Phrase: 'We shall overcome.' (This phrase sounds much stronger and more formal than 'We will overcome.')


3. Commands, Promises, or Legal Documents (Very Formal)
This usage conveys absolute certainty, a command, or a legal requirement. It is not common in everyday speech.


■ Command: 'You shall not pass!' (A famous, dramatic example.)
■ Law/Rules: 'The tenant shall pay rent on the first day of each month.'
■ Promise: 'You asked for my help, and you shall have it.'


ℹ IMPORTANT: MODERN USAGE AND 'WILL' VS. 'SHALL'


■ Decline in Common Use: In modern English, especially American English, will has almost completely replaced shall for expressing the future. Using 'I shall' in casual conversation can sound pretentious or old-fashioned.


■ The Main Modern Role: The most reliable and common use for 'shall' is in questions with 'I' and 'we' to make polite offers and suggestions. In this context, it is not interchangeable with 'will.' ('Shall we go?' is a suggestion; 'Will we go?' is a question about the future).


■ 'Should': Although historically the past tense of 'shall,' should now functions as a completely separate modal verb for giving advice or expressing obligation (e.g., 'You should eat more vegetables.').