American English
/wɪl/
One syllable.
Used before a verb to talk about an action or event that happens later.
“Will” is pronounced clearly as “will” (/wɪɫ/) when said alone or emphasized, but it is often reduced to a very short form (/wl̩/) when it helps express the future or comes before another verb.
Used before a verb to talk about an action or event that happens later.
I will call you tonight.
Will they arrive on time?
Do not put to after will. Say I will call, not I will to call.
will be · will happen · will be able to
subject + will + base verb
will + subject + base verb?
Used when you decide, offer, or promise to do something at the time of speaking.
I’ll carry that bag for you.
I will never forget your help.
will help · will do it · will take care of it
I’ll + base verb
subject + will + base verb
Used in a question to ask someone to do something or to ask if they agree to do it.
Will you close the door, please?
Will you join us for dinner?
Will you...? can sound direct. Add please when you want the request to sound more polite.
will you help · will you wait · will you let me
will + subject + base verb?
Used with not to say that a person refuses to do something, or that a machine refuses to work.
The baby won’t stop crying.
My car won’t start.
Here, won’t often means “refuses to” or “does not work,” not only a future negative.
won’t start · won’t work · won’t stop
subject + won’t + base verb
without your agreement or choice
He was taken there against his will.
If you are determined, you can find a way to succeed.
Keep trying—where there’s a will, there’s a way.
a formal phrase for a person’s legal document about what happens to their property after death
The lawyer read her last will and testament.
After a pronoun, will is often shortened to ’ll. The negative form is won’t, not willn’t.