DictionaryAI

shall

verb
SHAL/ˈʃæl/

Formsshall, should

4 meanings of shall

Practice

  1. 1
    promise or ruleverbauxiliarymodal
    Used with 'you', 'he', 'she' or 'they' to say firmly that something will happen or must happen.

    You shall go to the ball!

    Citizens shall provide proof of identity.

    UsageIn rules, shall means must: the tenant shall pay.

    Similarwill, must

    Note
  2. 2
    verbauxiliarymodal
    Used in questions with 'I' or 'we' to offer or suggest something, or to ask what to do.

    Shall I open the window?

    Shall I make some coffee before the meeting starts?

    UsageSay Shall I help? to offer, and Shall we go? to suggest.

    Note
  3. 3
    verbauxiliarymodal
    Used with 'I' or 'we' to talk about the future, in a formal way.

    I shall be there at nine.

    We shall see what happens.

    UsageWill or 'll is more common: I will go, I'll go.

    Similarwill

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    verbobsoleteauxiliarymodal
    To owe something to someone.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Old English "sċeal" (meaning "should" or "must"), going back through older Germanic to a very old root meaning "to owe" or "be under obligation."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts