shall
Translation
shall
Examples
Shall we go to the movies?
Shall we go to the movies?
I shall return tomorrow.
I shall return tomorrow.
All visitors shall report to the office.
All visitors shall report to the office.
Grammar Patterns
((Shall + I/we + base verb...?)) used to make offers or suggestions (formal). Shall we begin?
((Subject + shall + base verb)) used in legal or formal contexts to show obligation. The tenant shall pay rent on the first of the month.
Similar Words
Synonyms: will, must, should
Etymology
From Old English 'sceal', meaning 'I owe/I ought'.
Memory Tips
In modern American English, 'shall' is rare and sounds very formal. It's mostly used in legal documents or for suggestions like 'Shall we begin?'.