Shall

Definition

'Shall' is a modal auxiliary verb used to indicate future actions, intentions, or obligations. It often conveys a sense of formality and is traditionally used in legal, formal, or literary contexts. Its usage can also imply determination or a strong intention to perform an action, differentiating it from other future forms like 'will.'

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Shall' is often used with the first person (I, we) to express future actions, such as 'I shall go to the store.'
2. In legal contexts, 'shall' denotes obligations and duties, making it crucial for clarity in legal documents.
3. 'Shall' can also convey a sense of determination, as in 'We shall overcome,' which emphasizes a strong intention.
4. The use of 'shall' has declined in modern English, particularly in informal settings where 'will' has become more common.
5. 'Shall' can sometimes imply an expectation of compliance or agreement, creating a sense of formality in directives.

Review Questions

• How does the usage of 'shall' differ from 'will' in expressing future intentions?
  • 'Shall' is typically used in more formal contexts and often with first-person subjects to express future intentions, while 'will' is more commonly used in everyday speech and applies to all subjects. For example, one might say 'I shall complete the report by Friday,' emphasizing formality and obligation, whereas 'I will complete the report by Friday' conveys a straightforward intent without the same level of formality. This difference in tone and usage is key when choosing which verb to employ.
• In what ways does 'shall' serve a specific role in legal language compared to everyday conversation?
  • 'Shall' plays a critical role in legal language by clearly indicating obligations and requirements, leaving no room for ambiguity. For instance, legal documents often state that 'the party shall submit the report by Monday,' signifying that it is mandatory. In contrast, everyday conversation tends to avoid 'shall,' using 'will' instead for more casual expressions of future intent. This distinction highlights how language varies significantly between formal and informal contexts.
• Evaluate the implications of using 'shall' in directives and how it affects compliance in formal writing.
  • Using 'shall' in directives implies a strong expectation of compliance and carries an authoritative tone, which is important for ensuring clarity in formal writing. For example, a directive stating 'All employees shall attend the training session' conveys not just an expectation but an obligation that must be met. This authoritative use can significantly influence how recipients perceive their responsibilities and may lead to higher adherence rates to stated requirements compared to softer wording. Thus, the choice of using 'shall' reflects an intention to enforce compliance within formal contexts.

Related terms

will:

'Will' is a modal auxiliary verb used to express future actions or decisions, typically indicating a more informal or conversational tone than 'shall.'

must:

'Must' is a modal auxiliary verb that indicates necessity or obligation, expressing something that is required or essential.

may:

'May' is a modal auxiliary verb used to express permission or possibility, indicating that something could happen or be allowed.