What is ‘Shall’?
“Shall” is a modal verb that denotes potential future action. It is an auxiliary verb to indicate a request, a promise, an offer, a suggestion, or a determination. It is used in formal language and is used to express a firm intention or obligation.
When used to express a request, ‘shall’ is used to ask someone to do something. For example, ‘Shall I get you a coffee?’ or ‘Shall I help you with anything?’
When used to express a promise, ‘shall’ indicates that a speaker is willing to do something. For example, ‘I shall help you with your project’ or ‘I shall get you a coffee.’
When used to express an offer, ‘shall’ is used to offer something to someone. For example, ‘Shall I buy you a new laptop?’ or ‘Shall I give you a ride home?’
When used to express a suggestion, ‘shall’ suggests something to someone. For example, ‘Shall we go out for dinner tonight?’ or ‘Shall we take a walk in the park?’
When used to express a determination, ‘shall’ indicates that a speaker is determined to do something. For example, ‘I shall find a way to make this work’ or ‘I shall find a way to make this work.’
What is ‘Shall be’?
‘Shall be’ is a verb phrase used to express a future event or state of being. It is used to express a firm intention or expectation about the future. It can be used as both a command and a statement of fact.
When used as a command, ‘shall be’ expresses an expectation that something will happen. It is used to give instructions or to make a request. For example, a teacher might say to a student, “You shall be quiet in class.” It conveys the expectation that the student will remain quiet.
When used as a statement of fact, ‘shall be’ expresses a strong belief that something will happen. For example, someone might say, “The future shall be bright.” It conveys the belief that the future will be bright and full of hope.
‘Shall be’ can also be used to make predictions. For example, someone might say, “The world shall be a better place in the future.” It conveys the belief that the world will be a better place in the future.
Difference Between ‘Shall’ and ‘Shall be.’
- ‘Shall’ is used to express a strong obligation, while ‘Shall be’ is used to express a less future solid obligation.
- ‘Shall’ is used to express a future decision that has been made, while ‘shall be’ is used to express a future event that will take place.
- ‘Shall’ is used to make a suggestion or request, while ‘shall be’ is used to express a prediction.
- ‘Shall’ is used to express an expectation or supposition, while ‘shall be’ is used to express a plan or intention.
- ‘Shall’ is used to express a strong possibility, while ‘shall be’ is used to express a weaker possibility.
Comparison Between ‘Shall’ and ‘Shall be’
| Parameters of Comparison | Shall | Shall be |
| Meaning | ‘Shall’ is a modal verb used to express a command, request, or suggestion | ‘Shall be’ is a verb phrase used to express the future tense |
| Usage for Pronouns | ‘Shall’ is used with first-person pronouns | ‘Shall be’ is used with third-person pronouns |
| Tense | ‘Shall’ is used in the present tense | ‘Shall be’ is used in the future tense |
| Used to express | ‘Shall’ express a promise | ‘Shall be’ express a condition |
| Expresses | ‘Shall’ express a future decision that has been made | ‘Shall be’ express a future event that will take place |