In English, learn how to use “will” and “shall” to talk about the future. Includes clear explanations, examples, and practice problems for A1-level students.
Will and Shall: Future Tense
You use the future simple tense to talk about things that will happen in the future. We use “will” and “shall” as helping verbs to make the future tense in English.
Using “Will”
The future tense is most often made with will. It works with all subjects.
Structure:
- Affirmative: subject + will + base verb
- Negative: subject + will not (won’t) + base verb
- Question: Will + subject + base verb?
Examples:
- I will go to the park tomorrow.
- She will visit her grandparents next week.
- They will not (won’t) eat pizza tonight.
- Will you come to the party?
Usage of “Will”:
- Predictions: It will rain tomorrow.
- Promises: I will help you with your homework.
- Decisions made at the moment: I’m thirsty. I will drink water.
Using “Shall” (Optional, Formal / British English)
We and I mostly use shall to talk about the future. People don’t use it as much in everyday speech, but it is still correct in formal English.
Structure:
- Affirmative: I/we + shall + base verb
- Negative: I/we + shall not (shan’t) + base verb
- Question: Shall + I/we + base verb?
Examples:
- I shall call you tomorrow.
- We shall not (shan’t) forget this day.
- Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
Usage of “Shall”:
- Offers or suggestions: Shall we play football?
- Formal statements about the future: I shall attend the meeting.
A1 Learners: Quick Tips
- In modern English, “will” is used more often than “shall.”
- You can use will with any subject, but you should only use shall with I and we.
- Negative forms: will not = won’t, shall not = shan’t.
- To ask a question, switch the subject and the helping verb: Will you…? / Shall we…?
Examples with Time Expressions:
- I will finish my homework tomorrow.
- Shall we meet next week?
- She won’t come to the party tonight.
