II. Verb-Phrase denoting Willingness, etc.
- Will you write often? [I will.]
- Will you allow me to help you? [I will.]
- Will you be so kind as to open the window? [I will.]
239. Shall in the second and third persons is not the sign of the future tense in declarative sentences.
It is used in commanding, promising, threatening, and expressing resolution, the volition being that of the speaker.
- Thou shalt not kill. [Command.]
- You shall have the hat before Monday. [Promise.]
- You shall pay for this insult! [Threat.]
- She shall not regret her generosity. [Resolution.]
In prophetic language, shall is common in the second and third persons, even when there is no idea of commanding or the like.
The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood.—Joel ii. 31.
240. In military orders and official communications, custom permits the more courteous will in the place of shall in the second and third persons.
- You will immediately report for orders.
- Heads of Departments will submit their estimates before January first.
For shall and will in subordinate clauses, see [pp. 130–132].