Unit 7 Will (2)

1. When we talk about the future, we often say what someone has arranger to do or intend to do. Do not use will in this situation:

Tom is playing tennis on Monday. (not ‘Tom will play’)
Are you going to watch television this evening? (not ‘will you watch’)

For arrangement and intension see unit 4 and 5.

But often we are talking about the future. We are not talking about arrangement or intension. Study this example:

Tom: I’m very worried about my examination next week.
Ann: Don’t worry, Tom. You’ll pass.

‘You’ll pass’ is not an arrangement or an intention. Ann is just saying what will happen or what she thinks will happen; she is predicting the future. When we predict a future happening or a future situation, we use will/won’t.

When you return home, you’ll notice a lot of changes.
This time next year I’ll be in Japan. Where will you be?
When will you know your examination results?
Tom won’t pass his examination. He hasn’t done any work for it.

We often use will with these words an expression:

Probably : I’ll probably be a bit late this evening.
(I’m) sure : You must meet Ann. I’m sure you’ll like her.
I think : Do you think we’ll win the match?

2. Will and shall

You can use shall or will with I and we:

We shall (or we will) probably go to Scotland in June.

But in spoken English we normally use the short form I’ll and we’ll:

We’ll probably go to Scotland in June.

The negative of shall is shan’t (or shall not):

I shan’t (or I won’t) be here tomorrow.

Do not use shall with he/she/it/you/they.

Notice that we use shall (not will) in the question shall I … ? and shall we …? (for offer, suggestion etc):
Shall I open the window? (= Do you want me to open the door?)
I’ve got no money. What shall I do? (What do you suggest I do?)
Where shall we go this evening?

For will see also unit 6, 8, 9.

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