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Will в английском языке

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

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

  • "What would you like to drink?" "I'll have some coffee, please."

  • "Did you call Ann?" "Oh no, I forgot. I'll do it now."

  • I'm too tired to walk home. I think I'll take a taxi.



You cannot use the simple present (I do) in these sentences.

  • I'll go and shut it. (not I go and shut it)


Do not use will to say what someone has already decided to do or arranged to do:

  • I can't meet you tomorrow because my parents are coming to see me. (not my parents will come)


The negative of will is won't (or will not):

  • Receptionist: I'm afraid Mr. Wood can't see you until 4:00.
    You: Oh, in that case I won't wait.


We often use I think I'll ... or I don't think I'll ... when we decide to do something:

  • I think I'll stay home this evening.

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



We often use will in these situations:

    Offering to do something:

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

  • "I need some money." "Don't worry. I'll lend you some."


  • Agreeing or refusing to do something:

  • A: You know that book I lent you? Can I have it back?

  • B: Of course. I'll bring it back this afternoon, (not I bring)

  • I've asked John to help me, but he won't.

  • The car won't start. ( = thc car "refuses" to start)


  • Promising to do something:

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

  • I won't tell Tom what you said. I promise.

  • I promise I'll call you as soon as I arrive.


  • Asking someone to do something (Will you...?):

  • Will you shut the door, please?

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



When we talk about the future, we often say what someone has arranged to do or intends to do. Do not use will in this situation:

  • Tom is playing tennis on Monday, (not Tom will play)

  • Are you going to watch television this evening? (not will you watch)


For arrangements and intentions see this and this.

But often when we are talking about the future, we are not talking about arrangements or intentions. Study this example:

Tom: I'm really worried about my exam next week.
Ann: Don't worry, Tom. You'll pass.

"You'll pass" is not an arrangement or an intention. Ann is just saying what will happen or what she thinks will happen; she is predicting the future. When we predict a future happening or a future situation, we use will/won't.

  • When you return home, you'll notice a lot of changes.

  • This time next year I'll be in Japan. Where will you be?

  • When will you find out your exam results?

  • Tom won't pass his exam. He hasn't done any work for it.


We often use will with these words and expressions:

probably I'll probably be a little late this evening.
(I'm) sure You must meet Ann. I'm sure you'll like her.
(I) bet I bet Carol will get the job.
(I) think Do you think we'll win the match?
(I) suppose I suppose we'll see John at the party.
(I) guess I guess I'll see you next week.


Will and shall
You can say I will or I shall (I'll)

we will or we shall (we'll)

  • I will (or I shall) probably go to Europe this summer.

  • We will (or we shall) probably go to Europe this summer.



Will is more common than shall. In speech we normally use the short forms I'll and we'll:

  • I'll probably go to Europe.


Do not use shall with he/she/it/they/you.

  • John will help you. (not shall help you)


We use shall (not will) in the questions Shall I... ? and Shall we... ? (for offers, suggestions, etc.):

  • Shall I open the window? ( = Do you want me to open the window?)

  • Where shall we go this evening?