shall

shall Definition

shall (s̸hal)

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

Usage Note See usage note at will

shall Synonyms

be going to, be about to, intend, want to, be obliged, must; see also will 3.

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