In this post, we shall do the use of the modals like Will, Shall and Used To.
Use of Shall –
Rule – 1 We use shall with the subjects of 1st person ( I & We) to express Simple Future –
e.g. – I shall go to the USA the next week.
We shall play football in the evening.
Rule – 2 But if we use shall with the subjects of 2nd and 3rd persons, it expresses the following moods –
Command – You shall go there at once.
Promise – You shall get a good gift if you stand first in your class.
Threat – You shall receive harsh punishment if you repeat the mistake.
Determination – He shall get success in the exam.
Compulsion – Students shall pay their fees by the 10th every month.
Rule – 3 In Questions Tags, in the sentences starting with Let us/ Let’s –
Let’s go for a walk, shall we ?
Rule – 4. With first person subjects in interrogative sentences to express suggestions –
Shall we talk to the Principal ?
Rule – 5 To take permission –
Shall we go now ?
Use of Modal Will –
Rule 1 – With the subjects of 2nd and 3rd persons ( he, she, it, they ), it shows simple future.
Rule 2 – With subjects of 1st person ( I and We), it expresses the following moods –
Determination – I will clear the test this time.
Threat – I will kill you.
Willingness – We will help you if you like.
Promise – We shall give you a warm welcome if you come as a victorious.
Request – Will you help her ?
Use of Used to –
Rule 1 – We use Used to to show routine/ habit of the past –
e.g. – Grandmother used to go to temple every day.
We used to play cricket every evening during our school days.
Note – We can substitute used to with would for the same meaning.
Click here for other Modals and their Usage
A Piece of Advice –
We reiterate ( tell ) that modals are very necessary for the language learners to give various expressions. So prepare them by heart and use them in day-to-day interaction. Thanks.
Note:- Now a days, we use ‘Will’ instead of Shall to express each and every mood.