Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[tisogai]

Dear Teachers,

Please tell me the difference between the two sentences below.

1. When you read the book, it will be a turning point of your life.

2. When you read the book, it shall be a turning point of your life.

Thanks so much.

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Tisogai -

In contemporary usage, 'will' is more commonly used in your example.

'shall' is used more commomly as a polite form when making an offer.

What is the source of your example? Philo

[tisogai]

Hi Philo, thanks.

Can't remember its source. I might be mistaken.

Then, what is the difference between the sentences below?

1. I will be late.

2. I shall be late.

Look forward to your reply. Thanks.

[CP]

I was taught that the "correct" way to express the future tense is to use shall in the first person (singular and plural) and will everywhere else:

I shall, we shall
you will, you will
he/she/it will, they will

For the imperative, it is the opposite. You want to tell someone that he must do or not do something? Use shall, as in "Thou shalt not kill / You shall not kill." Hence, the imperative:

I will, we will
you shall, you shall
he/she/it shall, they shall

Nowadays, most people drop the shall form, but if you're going to use it, I suggest using it the "correct" way.

Just one opinion. I'm sure others may disagree.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb