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Will and Shall

Black_Knight
Junior Member

since 2003-09-04

Posts 23
England

0 posted 2003-09-08 09:59 PM

This is one of the myriad small things I learnt about my language that pleased me.

Often, the words 'will' and 'shall' are used interchangeably, but their meanings are actually entirely different.

"If you let go, I shall drown!"

This is telling us that the hold we have is preventing drowning.

"If you let go, I will drown"

This, perhaps surprisingly, is a threat.  That is because the word 'will' is connected to the words 'willful' and 'will-power' and phrases such as 'with a will'.  It implies purpose.

The word 'shall' does not imply purpose.  The same difference also applies to the words 'would' and 'should'.

"I would love you forever" is a statement of purpose, and thus different to "I should love you forever".

I hope that's of interest to some, as it was to me.  It is always a delight to learn a new facet to language, and to realise that it has more powers, even in the simplest of things, than we had perhaps ever realised.

[This message has been edited by Black_Knight (09-08-2003 09:59 PM).]

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

1 posted 2003-09-08 10:14 PM

Absolutely of interest. Thank you!

Essorant
Member Elite

since 2002-08-10

Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada

2 posted 2003-09-09 10:51 PM

Indeed; and it is helpful if you ever have confusion just to think of them this way:

Will: Wish

Shall: Must

As you will, I shall.

As you would, I should.

[This message has been edited by Essorant (09-09-2003 10:52 PM).]

Essorant
Member Elite

since 2002-08-10

Posts 4769
Regina, Saskatchewan; Canada

3 posted 2003-09-30 06:51 PM

Another point about the difference between shall and will is that very oft shall is used to express humble servitude and will superiority and what that serves. A slavish person shall serve his master's will.

"Slave, do my will and kiss my feet"

"Master, I shall as 'twere a treat"

[This message has been edited by Essorant (10-01-2003 12:59 PM).]

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