[Shall and Will, Should and Would]
Although there is a tendency to disregard subtle distinctions between shall and will in ordinary speech, it is desirable to preserve the more important distinctions in written discourse.
53. To express simple futurity or mere expectation, use shall with the first person (both singular and plural) and will with the second and third.
| I shall go. | We shall walk. |
| You will play. | You will hear. |
| He will sing. | They will reply. |
To express resolution or emphatic assurance, reverse the usage; that is, use will with the first person (both singular and plural), and shall with the second and third.
| I will; I tell you, I will. | We will not be excluded. |
| You shall do what I bid. | You shall not delay us. |
| He shall obey me. | They shall pay the tribute. |
In asking questions, use the form expected in the answer.
- "Shall I go?" I asked myself musingly. "Shall we take a walk?" "You promise. But will you pay?" "Will it rain tomorrow?"
Should and would follow the rules given for shall and will.
- Mere statement of a fact:
I [or We] should like to go.
You [or He or They] would of course accept the offer. - Resolution or emphatic assurance:
I [or We] would never go under terms so degrading.
You [or He or They] should decline; honor demands it.