Intermediate Grammar – How to Use “Shall”

“Shall” will be our topic today, so let’s check it out and see exactly how and when it is used.

*Remember that shall is normally quite formal and is found more commonly in British English , however it may be used by english speakers of any country.

Firstly, shall is used to talk about future actions. For example:

I shall be there at 8:00 am.

We shall be there in the morning very early if you would like to join us.

It may also be used for suggestions.

Shall we go have dinner somewhere after the film?

Shall I pick you up after work it’ll be much faster that way?

Shall can also be used for promises. 

I shall complete all my work before the end of the day I promise.

I shall take care of you. Don’t worry.

When we want to use the negative form of shall we may use shall not or the older form shan’t (which is more uncommon).

I shall not wait here any longer, I am tired.

Jack shan’t come to the wedding as he has come down with a cold.

So, there you have it. I hope this has helped you. Try to practice using the vocabulary as much as possible to improve that little bit more everyday. And in no time at all you “shall” be speaking English!

20 comments

  1. ana maria barriere

    thanks, the course is wonderful!

  2. Thanks, I am remembering my English. I studied English many years ago.

  3. Kate querría que me expliques como accedo a las lecciones, hice un ejercicio con el vocabulario upbeat, suited,catchy,mood y ahora una explicación del uso del shall, pero no puedo tener un orden en las lecciones? esta corresponde a un número 41

  4. thanks a lot very useful

  5. Prasroeth Phongthada

    Thank you so much for the meaning of the vocabulary.It’s made me having more confidently to used it.

  6. Prasroeth Phongthada

    Thank you so much for the meaning of the vocabulary.It’s made me having more confidently to used it.

  7. Invitation — Shall we dance?
    Polite —— Shall I carry your bag? means… Do you want me to carry your bag?
    Emphasize –We will set for the top of the mountain tomorrow morning, so ill see you later.
    You can’t walk too far!—- I can walk., I shall meet you up there! you’ll see!
    (I shall have to get up earlier!!!).

  8. Invitation — Shall we dance?
    Polite —— Shall I carry your bag? means… Do you want me to carry your bag?
    Emphasize –We will set for the top of the mountain tomorrow morning, so ill see you later.
    You can’t walk too far!—- I can walk., I shall meet you up there! you’ll see!
    (I shall have to get up earlier!!!).

  9. Luis Fernando Gonzalez

    thank you for pass me your knowledge teacher. i shall practice my English;-)

  10. Luis Fernando Gonzalez

    thank you for pass me your knowledge teacher. i shall practice my English;-)

  11. be used be english speakers
    be used by* english speakers
    Thanks.

  12. be used be english speakers
    be used by* english speakers
    Thanks.

  13. I shall make my best to improuve my english so much. I thank you a lot.

  14. I shall make my best to improuve my english so much. I thank you a lot.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *