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

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344 Will referring to general truths or used for politeness

SHALL

388

Uses

Shall

has two main meanings; one refers to future intentions, the other is

concerned with offers and advice.

Predictions and intentions

Shall

is used instead of will with first person subjects in rather formal contexts to

make predictions and to announce intentions or decisions. It is much less frequent

than will:

While she’s here, we 

shall never be able to put the past behind us. 

I 

shall always be grateful for what he did on that day.

(less formal: I will/I’ll always be grateful …)

Û

539 Glossary for any unfamiliar terms

Modality | 649

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‘I don’t want anyone with me. I 

shall do this on my own,’ Bless said, and he

hurried out of the room. 

Shall not/shan’t

is even rarer, but does occur in formal contexts to make

predictions and announce intentions or decisions:

I 

shan’t be here for much more than half an hour.

Directives

Shall

is also used to issue directives but this use is very formal and rare:

[notice in an aircraft cabin]

This curtain 

shall be left open during takeoff and landing.

‘You 

shall be punished,’ said Mrs Marline. ‘You shall go to your room and stay

there without a light when it is dark.’