What is the difference between Will and Shall?

The words will and shall are used in the future tense, indicating something that has not yet happened but is expected to take place soon. Will is predominately used when giving an order, suggest something, announce a decision or to express willingness or ability to do something.

On the other hand, shall is used in place of will when we facilitate action and ask a question, and it implies the express wish of another person. An example is, “Shall I set the dinner table?” or you could say, “Will you clean up this room?”

The word shall indicate permission, and the word will indicate an order. Will might also suggest a request. The word shall also indicate an offer. The word will display common English, while the word shall is uncommon.

The word shall is a formal word, almost like a command or declaration, such as in the case of saying, “I shall succeed,” or you could say, “you shall not be going to the dance.” It is used to imply an obligation to something. Some say that shall is used more in literature for its simple first-person future tense.

The word will, on the other hand, is a helping verb that is used with other verbs. However, it does not possess conjunction of its own. It is usually used in the second or third person for its simple future tense, such as “You will not take no for an answer,” or “They will come tomorrow.” It also implies an intension, habitual action or tendency, desire, willingness, or refusal.