auxiliary
Used in a question with I or we to offer help, ask what to do, or suggest an action.
Shall I open the window?
Shall we start the meeting?
Common phrases & grammar
Shall I + base verb ...?
Shall we + base verb ...?
American English
How to pronounce shall
auxiliaryB1Very common word
SHAAL
/ʃæl/
One syllable.
Used in a question with I or we to offer help, ask what to do, or suggest an action.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
auxiliaryformalless common
Used in official rules, contracts, and similar writing to say that someone is required to do something.
The tenant shall pay the rent on the first day of each month.
Employees shall not share their passwords.
Good to know
In legal or official writing, shall usually means must. In everyday English, use must or have to instead.
Common phrases & grammar
shall be responsible for · shall comply with · shall not be liable for · shall remain in effect
subject + shall + base verb
subject + shall not + base verb
auxiliaryformalless common
Used mainly with I or we in formal or old-fashioned language to say that something will happen in the future.
I shall return tomorrow.
We shall discuss this matter later.
Good to know
In modern American English, will is much more usual for an ordinary future statement.
Common phrases & grammar
we shall see · I shall return
I or we + shall + base verb
Useful expressions
Used to suggest doing something together.
Shall we take a break?
Used to offer to do something or ask what someone wants you to do.
Shall I carry that bag?
We will find out later.
We shall see what happens.