shall
shall definition
shall (s̸hal)
auxiliary verb should
- used in the first person to indicate simple future time I shall probably go tomorrow
- used in the second or third person, esp. in formal speech or writing, to express determination, compulsion, obligation, or necessity you shall listen
- used in the statement of laws or regulations the fine shall not exceed $200
- used in questions about what to do shall I invite them?
- used in formal conditional subordinate clauses if any man shall hear, let him remember
Etymology: ME schal, pl. schullen < OE sceal, inf. sceolan, akin to Ger sollen < IE base *(s)kel-, to be indebted > Lith skeliù, to owe
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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| Topic | Replies | Latest Post |
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| Shall we use will or will you be using shall? | 17 | 5 years ago |
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