modal verb

shall

Translation

shall

Examples

Shall we go to the movies?

Shall we go to the cinema?

I shall return tomorrow.

All visitors shall report to the office.

Grammar Patterns

((Shall + I/we + base verb...?)) used to make offers or suggestions. Shall I open the window?

((Subject + shall + base verb)) used to express the future tense (formal). I shall be there at 8.

Similar Words

Synonyms: will, must, should

Etymology

From Old English 'sceal', meaning 'I owe/I ought'.

Memory Tips

Common in British English for suggestions ('Shall we...?') and the future tense with 'I' and 'we'. In American English, it's considered very formal or legalistic.