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shall

Meaning in simple English

US /ʃæl/

shall means: Used in questions with I or we to offer help or suggest doing something.

verb

OFFER OR SUGGESTA2

Used in questions with I or we to offer help or suggest doing something.

  • Shall I help you?
  • Shall we walk to the station?
  • Shall I open the window for you?

How to use it: shall I + base verb? (Shall I carry your bag?); shall we + base verb? (Shall we eat outside?)

Common phrases: shall I help, shall we go, shall we start

ASK FOR ADVICEA2

Used in questions to ask what you should do.

  • What shall I wear?
  • Where shall we put these boxes?
  • How shall I explain the problem to her?

How to use it: question word + shall I/we + base verb? (Where shall we park the car?)

Similar words: should

Common phrases: what shall I, where shall we, how shall I

MAKE A PROMISEB1

Used to say firmly that you will do something or that something will happen.

  • I shall return soon.
  • You shall have your money tomorrow.
  • We shall never forget your kindness.

How to use it: subject + shall + base verb (We shall keep your information safe.)

Similar words: will

Common phrases: I shall return, we shall ensure, you shall receive

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Phrases with shall

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