Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

WILL/SHALL: INTENTION AND VOLITION

366

When a speaker wants to make their will or intention clear, then will or shall is

normally used:

I 

will not do it. You can’t make me.

I promise I 

will not be beaten.

‘I 

shall be at the station to meet you,’ she said. ‘Friday week.’

A: Don’t forget the party. You will come, won’t you? 

B: I certainly will. I wouldn’t miss it, would I?

I 

will definitely stop smoking. I really will.

WILL VERSUS SHALL

367

Will

may be used for all persons, but shall often occurs with I and we. Will is

generally less formal when used with I and we:

A: Right. Have a nice weekend. 

B: I shall try. You too. 

A: Okay then. Bye bye sweetheart. 

We 

shall find some other work for you to do.

632 | Future time

Cambridge Grammar of English

---

Shall

also has a specialised legal usage for stating rules, laws, legal provisions, etc.

In such cases, it often occurs with third person subjects:

The insured 

shall remain the sole owner of the vehicle.