shall

verb

shəl,

ˈshal 

past should

shəd,

ˈshu̇d  ; present singular and plural shall

auxiliary verb

1

a

—used to express what is inevitable or seems likely to happen in the future

we shall have to be ready

we shall see

b

—used to express simple futurity

when shall we expect you

2

—used to express determination

they shall not pass

3

a

—used to express a command or exhortation

you shall go

b

—used in laws, regulations, or directives to express what is mandatory

it shall be unlawful to carry firearms

4

archaic

a

: will have to : must

b

: will be able to : can

intransitive verb

archaic : will go

he to England shall along with you

—William Shakespeare

Shall vs. Will: Usage Guide

From the reams of pronouncements written about the distinction between shall and will—dating back as far as the 17th century—it is clear that the rules laid down have never very accurately reflected actual usage. The nationalistic statements of 18th and 19th century British grammarians, who commonly cited the misuses of the Irish, the Scots, and occasionally the Americans, suggest that the traditional rules may have come closest to the usage of southern England. Some modern commentators believe that English usage is still the closest to the traditionally prescribed norms. Most modern commentators allow that will is more common in nearly all uses. The entries for shall and will in this dictionary show current usage.

Synonyms

• have (to)
• must
• need
• ought (to)
• should

Examples of shall in a Sentence

you shall do as I say

Recent Examples on the Web

My answer is: That leader shall stick with their principles. —Alla Adam, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023

Firms with over 10 employees shall be required to consult their employees or trade unions when formulating their out-of-work policies. —Faustine Ngila, Quartz, 26 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English shal (1st & 3rd singular present indicative), from Old English sceal; akin to Old High German scal (1st & 3rd singular present indicative) ought to, must, Lithuanian skola debt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Phrases Containing shall

• never the twain shall meet

Kids Definition

shall

helping verb

shəl 

(ˈ)shal

past should shəd 

(ˈ)shu̇d

; present singular & plural shall

1

: am or are going to or expecting to : will

I shall write today

2

: is or are compelled to : must

they shall not pass