student asking question

What's the difference between "shall" and "will"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Generally, “shall” and “will” mean the same thing! But there are some subtle differences. While “shall” is often used in Old English, it’s also commonly used in formal situations and in British English. Another difference is that while “will” can be used for 1st person (I; we), 2nd person (you), and 3rd person (he/she/they), “shall” is only used in the 1st person (I; we) unless used as a command. Ex: I shall come with you to the grocery store! Ex: Will you go with us to the grocery store? Ex: She will come with us to the grocery store. Ex: You shall go with me. => Formal command in 2nd person, slightly unnatural tone Ex: We shall prevail! => Old English

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