UNIT 21. Will/shall (1)

A. We use I'll (= I will) when we decide to do something at the time of speaking:

* Oh, I've left the door open. I'll go and shut it.

* 'What would you like to drink?' 'I'll have an orange juice, please.'

* 'Did you phone Ruth?' 'Oh no, I forgot. I'll phone her now.'

You cannot use the present simple (I do/I go etc.) in these sentences:

* I'll go and shut the door. (not 'I go and shut')

We often use I think I'll... and I don't think I'll...:

* I feel a bit hungry. I think I'll have something to cat.

* I don't think I'll go out tonight. I'm too tired.

In spoken English the negative of will is usually won't (= will not):

* I can see you're busy, so I won't stay long.

B. Do not use will to talk about what you have already decided or arranged to do (see Units 19-20):

* I'm going on holiday next Saturday. (not 'I'll go')

* Are you working tomorrow? (not 'will you work')

C. We often use will in these situations:

Offering to do something

* That bag looks heavy. I'll help you with it. (not 'I help')

Agreeing to do something

* A: You know that book I lent you. Can I have it back if you've finished with it?

B: Of course. I'll give it to you this afternoon. (not 'I give')

Promising to do something

* Thanks for lending me the money. I'll pay you back on Friday. (not 'I pay')

* I won't tell anyone what happened. I promise.

Asking somebody to do something (Will you...?)

* Will you please be quiet? I'm trying to concentrate.

* Will you shut the door, please?

You can use won't to say that somebody refuses to do something:

* I've tried to advise her but she won't listen. (= she refuses to listen)

* The car won't start. I wonder what's wrong with it. (= the car 'refuses' to start)

D. Shall I...? Shall we...?

Shall is used mostly in the questions shall I...?/shall we...?

We use shall I...?/shall we...? to ask somebody's opinion (especially in offers or suggestions):

* Shall I open the window? (= do you want me to open the window?)

* I've got no money. What shall I do? (= what do you suggest?)

* 'Shall we go?' 'Just a minute. I'm not ready yet.'

* Where shall we go this evening?

Compare shall I...? and will you...?:

* Shall I shut the door? (= do you want me to shut it?)

* Will you shut the door? (= I want you to shut it)

EXERCISES

21.1 Complete the sentences with I'll + a suitable verb.

1. I'm too tired to walk home. I think I'll get a taxi.

2. 'It's a bit cold in this room.' 'Is It? --- on the heating then.'

3. 'We haven't got any milk.' 'Oh, haven't we? --- and get some.'

4. 'Do you want me to do the washing-up?' 'No, it's all right. --- it.'

5. 'I don't know how to use this computer.' 'OK, --- you.'

6. 'Would you like tea or coffee? '--- coffee, please.'

7. 'Goodbye! Have a nice holiday.' 'Thanks. --- you a postcard.'

8. Thank you for lending me your camera. --- it back to you on Monday, OK?

9. 'Are you coming with us?' 'No, I think --- here.'

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