Editing Shall and will (section)

==Specific uses of ''shall'' or ''will''==
The [[English modal verb|modal verbs]] ''shall'' and ''will'' have been used in the past, and continue to be used, in a variety of meanings.<ref>Many of the examples are taken from {{cite book|last=Fowler|first=H. W.|author-link=Henry Watson Fowler|title=The King's English|edition=2nd|year=1908|location=Chapter II. Syntax - Shall and Will|url=http://www.bartleby.com/116/213.html|access-date=2009-07-15}}</ref> Although when used purely as future markers they are largely interchangeable (as will be discussed in the following sections), each of the two verbs also has certain specific uses in which it cannot be replaced by the other without change of meaning.

The most common specific use of ''shall'' in everyday English is in questions that serve as offers or suggestions: "Shall I ...?" or "Shall we ...?" These are discussed under {{slink||Questions}} below.

In statements, ''shall'' has the specific use of expressing an order or instruction, normally in elevated or formal [[register (sociolinguistics)|register]]. This use can blend with the usage of ''shall'' to express futurity, and is therefore discussed in detail below under {{slink||Colored uses}}.

''Will'' (but not ''shall'') is used to express habitual action, often (but not exclusively) action that the speaker finds annoying:
*He will bite his nails, whatever I say.
*He will often stand on his head.

Similarly, ''will'' is used to express something that can be expected to happen in a general case, or something that is highly likely at the present time:
*A coat will last two years when properly cared for.
*That will be Mo at the door.

The other main specific implication of ''will'' is to express willingness, desire or intention. This blends with its usage in expressing futurity, and is discussed under {{slink||Colored uses}}. For its use in questions about the future, see {{slink||Questions}}.