What’s the difference between “shall” and “will”?

Does anyone use "shall" anymore?

In most cases, no. People go with "will" instead. It does the job, it sounds natural, and nobody questions it. But "shall" still surfaces from time to time, usually in contexts that feel more official or deliberate. Sometimes even a little stiff.

So what makes the two different? And is "shall" still worth knowing?

How “will” is used in English

“Will” is the standard way to talk about what’s going to happen. You’ll hear it in everyday conversations, emails, meetings, pretty much anywhere.

It’s used when you’re stating a plan, making a decision, or committing to something.

• I’ll send you the file tomorrow.
• We’ll start at 9.

It also comes up when you decide something in the moment:

• I’ll call them now.
• I will handle this.

And when you’re making a promise or setting an expectation:

• We will get back to you by Friday.
• I’ll make sure it’s done.

Note: You may have noticed some of these written as "I'll," "we'll," and "they'll." Those are contractions, the shortened form of will:

• I + will = I'll
• we + will = we'll
• they + will = they'll

When "shall" is still used in English

So where does "shall" still belong? A few places, it turns out.

The most common one is in questions, usually when you're making a suggestion or offering something.

• Shall I open the window?
• Shall we go?
• Shall we start?

Here, "shall" isn't about the future. It's about inviting the other person into a decision. It sounds more polite and a bit softer than "should we" or "do you want to."

You'll also find it in formal or legal writing, where it has a very specific function. It signals obligation.

• The tenant shall pay rent on the first of each month.
• The company shall provide written notice.
• Employees shall comply with all safety regulations.

Beyond those practical uses, you'll also hear shall used on purpose for effect. Someone says "I shall return" with a bit of a flourish, or declares "I shall think about it" like they're making a big decision out of something small. They know it sounds old-fashioned. That's the point. It's playful, a little theatrical, sometimes a bit ironic.

Something that often surprises learners is that "shall" isn't equally common everywhere. In British English, it comes up naturally, especially in suggestions and offers. In American English, you'll barely hear it. So if most of your exposure to English has been through American content or colleagues, that might be why "shall" feels so awkward.

One last thing. Because "shall" sounds more formal, it can feel like the safer, more professional choice. But in everyday English, using it too often has the opposite effect. There's a fine line between sounding polished and sounding like you've stepped out of a Shakespeare play. When in doubt, "will" is almost always the more natural option.