What’s happening in the classroom at Byron Bay Lexis…
Here’s a picture of Veronica in Pre-Intermediate teaching Ana about the grammar from the day before. She’s confidently explaining – in English! – the meaning of ‘will / won’t / shall‘ from Empower Unit 4B
She is explaining that we use WILL / WON’T for promises and requests, and SHALL for offers and decisions.
Uses of shall
It should be noted that shall is often used to make suggestions, offers or ask for advice. It is used in questions as follows:
- Shall we stay or go out?
- Shall we dance?
- Shall I get his phone number if I meet him?
- What shall I do to get rid of my acne?
As said above shall is used with first person singular and plural (I and we.) But there is a very special use of shall with other persons to make a promise, command or threat as noted below:
- You shall not get in! (Command)
- You shall pay for it. (Threat)
- You shall get your money back soon. (Promise)
In American English shall is mainly used in formal or legal documents:
- You shall abide by the law.
- There shall be no trespassing on this property.
- Students shall not enter this room.
Try for yourself! Fill in the boxes with WILL / WON’T / SHALL. Remember: they are ALWAYS followed by the infinitive verb:
1. John fly to Paris next month.
2. I go to the movie tomorrow.
3. My parents visit my uncle next week.
4. The teacher teach history next time.
5. We play games in the playground.
6. Somchai speak Chinese.
7. The girls swim in the pool next Sunday.
8. Lek and Noi buy a new bicycle.
9. My mother clean the floor tomorrow.
10. I write a letter next Monday.
Check your answers here: http://www.english-room.com/willshall_5.htm
Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE, and English plus Surfing and Yoga in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.
