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Difference between Shall and Will

Today in everyday American business writing and speaking, the wills out number the shalls. Few people distinguish between them anymore. But if you are a traditionalist, here are the rules for handling shall and will:

Shall is used for the first-person future tense.

  • We shall enjoy working for the new town supervisor.

Will is used for the second and third-person future tense.

  • You (They) will enjoy working for the new town supervisor.

For legal documents and some government contracts, shall expresses determination or a guarantee, and will expresses a plan to do something.

Either word can be used for first-, second-, or third-person pronouns in the future tense.

  • We (You, They) shall supply the required documentation when requested by the customer.
  • Before the end of the month, the supervisor will appraise all of her employees.