Do you remember the difference between "I will go to school" and "I shall go to school"?
Remember that 'will' and 'shall' are both Modal Verbs that are used to show intention?
But we are often confused about how to use 'will' and 'shall' with different Pronouns like 'I', 'You', 'We', 'They', 'He', 'She' and 'It'.
Is there a difference between using 'will' and 'shall' when using different Pronouns? Sure there is!
By default, when telling people about what we plan to do or what will happen in future,
'Shall' is used with 1st Person Pronouns ('I' and 'We')
'Will' is used with 2nd Person Pronouns ('You') and 3rd Person Pronouns ('He', 'She', 'It', 'They')
For example:
I shall go for the exam tomorrow. (Because my exam is planned for tomorrow, I am going for it)
You will be the first to give your speech later. (You happen to be the first on the list, so I am informing you)
In the above examples, we use 'will' and 'shall' this way if we are just stating a fact about something that is going to happen in future without any special emotions.
However, if we want to show that we are determined to get something done in future, the opposite is used:
'Will' is used with 1st Person Pronouns ('I' and 'We')
'Shall' is used with 2nd Person Pronouns ('You') and 3rd Person Pronouns ('He', 'She', 'It', 'They')
For example:
I will go for the exam tomorrow. (I promise that I will go)
You shall be the first to give your speech later. (I am determined to make you the first)
In the above examples, we use 'will' and 'shall' this way if we are showing desire or determination to make sure that something happen in future.
About the Writer
Ms Vivien Wu is the founder of The Pedagogy Domain, a provider of small-group home-based language workshop for young learners. As an experienced teacher, trainer and facilitator, she is dedicated to improve learners' command of language through interactive, practical and fun workshops. Read more about her here.