Shall

We don't use 'Shall' very frequently in modern English, particularly in American English.

It is used to make offers and suggestions and to ask for advice.

• What time shall we meet?
• Shall we vote on it now?
• What dress shall I wear?
• Shall I open the window?

"Shall" is used to indicate future action. It is most commonly used in sentences with "I" or "we," and is often found in suggestions, such as "Shall we go?" "Shall" is also frequently used in promises or voluntary actions. In formal English, the use of "shall" to describe future events often expresses inevitability or predestination. "Shall" is much more commonly heard in British English than in American English; Americans prefer to use other forms, although they do sometimes use "shall" in suggestions or formalized language.

Examples:

• Shall I help you? suggestion
• I shall never forget where I came from. promise
• He shall become our next king. predestination
• I'm afraid Mr. Smith shall become our new director. inevitability

More Examples of "Shall"

Modal Use	Positive Forms	Negative Forms
shall future action(British form)	I shall be replaced by someone from the New York office.I shall be there by 8:00.	I shall not be replaced after all.I shall not be there. I have a previous obligation.
shall suggestions	Shall we begin dinner?Shall we move into the living room?
shall volunteering, promising(British form)	I shall take care of everything for you.I shall make the travel arrangements. There's no need to worry.	I shall never forget you.
shall inevitability(British form)	Man shall explore the distant regions of the universe.We shall overcome oppression.	Man shall never give up the exploration of the universe.He shall not be held back.