shall

[ʃæl]

shall Definition

• 1. used to indicate future action
• 2. used to make a suggestion or offer

Using shall: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shall" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  I shall be there by noon.

• Example

  Shall we go for a walk?

• Example

  Shall I help you with that?

• Example

  You shall not pass!

shall Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shall

• will
• should
• ought to

Phrases with shall

• shall we dance?

  a question asked when one person wants to dance with another

  Example

  He extended his hand and asked her, 'Shall we dance?'

• I shall return

  a phrase used to indicate that the speaker will come back

  Example

  General MacArthur famously said, 'I shall return,' after being forced to leave the Philippines during World War II.

• as it shall please someone

  an expression used to indicate that something will be done according to someone's wishes

  Example

  The party will be held as it shall please the host.

Origins of shall

Old English 'sceal', meaning 'owe, be under obligation'

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Summary: shall in Brief

The word 'shall' [ʃæl] is a modal verb used to indicate future action or make a suggestion or offer. It is often interchangeable with 'will' or 'should.' Examples include 'I shall be there by noon,' and 'Shall we go for a walk?' 'Shall' is also used in phrases like 'shall we dance?' and 'I shall return.'