"Will" is a modal auxiliary verb. That means it combines with the infinitive of non-modal verbs (in many cases to express the future). "Will" is invariable; it doesn't change with different persons. It has a contracted form " 'll ", which is used in less formal writing and speech.
Subject + will + infinitive (without "to").
I will see my friends next week.
He will get ill if he doesn't eat properly.
John and Mary will get married soon.
I'll phone him tomorrow.
She'll fall off that bike if she isn't careful.
They'll paint the house this weekend.
John'll come and visit us in a few days.
"Shall" is also usually (but not always) possible in the first person.
I shall see my friends next week.
The contacted form of "shall" is " 'll "
I'll see my friends next week.
There is inversion between the subject and the modal auxiliary "will" in question forms.
Will I see you again later on?
Will you help me with my English homework?
Do you think John and Mary will get married soon?
Also possible in first person.
Shall I see you again later on?
We use the word combination "will + not" or "shall + not".
I will not (shall not) say this again!
The negative is often contracted in informal written English and speech to "won't".
I won't say this again!
There won't be any beer left if we're late for the party.
John won't go to work tomorrow.
The negative contracted form of "shall not" is "shan't".
"I shan't say this again!"
"Will" is used for predictions.
I think the weather will be better tomorrow.
What do you think will happen at the end of this book?
Many years ago, "shall" was preferred for the first person singular and plural (we). However, these days "will" is more acceptable and the the "shall" form is not frequent.
One day I will/shall have a beautiful house in the country.
"Going to" is usually also possible in this context too.
One day I'm going to have a beautiful house in the country.
However, if we are talking about predictions where the evidence is present at the time of speaking, we can only use "going to" and not "will". See "going to" for predictions...
In a similar way, we can use "will" to make a "prediction" about what is happening now at another place.
Don't phone now; they'll be in bed.
I can hear a car outside. It'll be John.
"Will" is also used to give orders or instructions by expressing a prediction to someone instead of using "must" or "should".
You'll start work at seven o'clock sharp.
You'll do as you are told.
The regiment will attack on my orders.
In a polite and formal way we can request a person do something using "will".
Will you follow me, sir?
Please, won't you sit down and make yourself comfortable?
We use "will" to make threats and promises.
I promise I won't ever do it again.
If you do that, I'll get angry.
He'll pay for what he did.
(We can also use "going to" with the same meaning as in the examples quoted above.)
We use "will" to offer to do something for someone in affirmative sentences.
"Who'll help me with these heavy bags?" "I will."
"This English grammar exercise is too difficult for me." "Don't worry. I'll help you."
If we offer to do something for someone or suggest something in a question, we use "shall" (in first persons "I" and "we") and not "will".
Shall I help you with those heavy bags?
Shall I help you?
It's
hot in here. Shall we open a window?
We may suggest that another person may want to offer help. But the third person requires "will".
Ask Mary. She'll help.
What
about John? Will he do it?
A decision taken at the moment of speaking is expressed with "will".
"We must fix the roof as soon as possible. The rain
is coming in!"
"You're right! I'll talk to
the builders first thing in the morning."
"Where's Mary? She's not here!"
"I
don't know where she is. I'll call her mobile now."
The last two example phrases quoted above cannot be expressed with "going to" or present continuous for future. This is because the decision to help in both examples is taken at the time of speaking. If we used "going to" or present continuous for futurre, the meaning would suggest the decision was taken before the situation occurred, i.e. a plan or intention.
For examples of "going to" for plans, see...
The negative form of "will" is also used in a way that is not necessarily future. When we complain about people who refuse to do something for any reason, we can use "won't" or "will not".
I've told her hundreds of times but she won't help with the housework. (she refuses to help...)
I will not get the underground train at night. It's just too dangerous. (I refuse to get...)
In a similar way, we use this structure when objects "refuse" to do what we want them to do.
Oh, no. The car won't start. There must be something wrong with the battery. ("refuses" to start...)
I think we have too many things in this suitcase. It won't close. ("refuses" to close...)
Would is used in a similar way for refusals in the past...
"Will" (and not "shall") can be used to talk about habitual actions. This form is usually used when we are suggesting the habit is unusual, different or we don't approve.
He'll sit in the pub drinking pint after pint until closing time.
Similarly, we use this structure for the behaviour of inanimate things.
If you add salt to ice, it'll melt.
This sticky tape is very good. It won't leave a mark when you take it off.
When we are being critical about someone's habitual behaviour, we can use "will" to emphasize the criticism. "Will" is usually not contracted here because it takes word stress. Note that "will" in this context refers to habitual actions.
David will leave his toys all over the floor (he always does it).
She will call me late at night (she does it very frequently).
See would used to criticize in a similar way...
See would for repeated actions...
We can use shall in all persons (first, second and third) to make promises. Note that in these examples, it is the speaker who intends to fulfil the promise. The style is often seen in literature or it is very rhetorical.
Cinderella, you shall go to the ball!
They shall not pass!
Trust me. I won't/shan't let you down.
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