shall
gb/ʃˈæl/ us/ʃˈæl/
B1
English
~ 200
fog, köteles, kell, -jak/-jek?, -junk/-jünk?
VERB
B2
FORMAL
1
fog
A2
Usage pattern:
shall + [subject] + [base verb]
We shall meet again tomorrow.
Holnap ismét találkozni fogunk.
I shall inform you of any changes.
Minden változásról tájékoztatni fogom önt.
We shall begin the meeting at noon.
I shall return before nightfall.
Learner examples
I shall call you tomorrow.
Holnap fel foglak hívni.
We shall start the game soon.
Hamarosan el fogjuk kezdeni a játékot.
I shall tell you later.
We shall go to the park.
Common mistake:
Learners often use 'shall' for all subjects in casual speech, but in modern English it is rare except in formal contexts or with 'I/we'.
Meaning
express future action or intent
Collocations
shall be done
|shall not
|shall we
|shall have
|shall go
Synonyms
will ('Will' is more common in modern English for most future statements, especially in everyday conversation.)
Antonyms
will not (Expresses refusal or lack of intention for something to happen in the future.)
Themes
law
|formal speech
|plans
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used with 'I' or 'we' to say that something will happen in the future, often in formal situations.
Used with the subject 'I' or 'we' to indicate that something will happen in the future, especially in formal or legal contexts.
VERB
B2
FORMAL
2
fog
A2
Usage pattern:
shall + [subject] + [base verb]
I shall never give up.
Soha nem fogom feladni.
We shall fight for our rights.
Küzdeni fogunk a jogainkért.
I shall make sure this is done.
Learner examples
I shall help you.
Segíteni fogok neked.
We shall win the game.
Meg fogjuk nyerni a meccset.
I shall fix it soon.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse this use with simple future; here the tone is stronger and more determined.
Meaning
express strong determination
Collocations
I shall never forget
|We shall overcome
|I shall make sure
Synonyms
will certainly (Adds certainty and emphasis similar to 'shall' in determined contexts.)
Antonyms
might (Suggests possibility rather than firm determination.)
Themes
promises
|commitments
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used to show that you are very sure you will do something.
Used with 'I' or 'we' to emphasize a firm decision or promise about the future.
VERB
C1
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
shall + [base verb]
The contractor shall complete the work by June 1.
A vállalkozó köteles június 1-jéig befejezni a munkát.
Each party shall keep the information confidential.
Mindegyik fél köteles bizalmasan kezelni az információkat.
No person shall drive without a valid license.
Learner examples
You shall wear a helmet at all times.
Mindig köteles vagy sisakot viselni.
The school shall provide lunch.
Az iskola köteles ebédet biztosítani.
The driver shall stop at the light.
Common mistake:
Learners may replace 'shall' with 'will' in legal contexts, which can change the legal force of the statement.
Meaning
express legal requirement
Collocations
The tenant shall pay rent monthly
|The company shall provide safety equipment
Synonyms
must ('Must' is more common in everyday language; 'shall' is frequent in legal drafting.)
Antonyms
may (Indicates permission instead of obligation.)
Themes
law
|rules
|business
|communication
Definition
Used in formal rules or laws to mean that something must happen.
Used in laws, contracts, and official rules to show that something is required or must happen.
VERB
B1
4
Usage pattern:
Shall + [subject] + [base verb]?
Shall we go for a walk?
Menjünk el sétálni?
Shall I carry your bag?
Vigyem a táskádat?
Shall we start now?
Learner examples
Shall we eat now?
Együnk most?
Shall I help you?
Segítsek?
Shall we play a game?
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'will we' instead of 'shall we' for offers, which sounds unnatural in formal English.
Meaning
make polite offer or suggestion
Collocations
Shall we dance?
|Shall I open the window?
|Shall we begin?
Synonyms
should we ('Should we' is slightly less formal and more common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
shouldn't we (Suggests questioning whether it is a good idea not to do something.)
Themes
conversation
|offers
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used in questions with 'I' or 'we' to ask politely about doing something.
Used with 'I' or 'we' in questions to politely offer or suggest doing something.
Grammar
Dictionary form
shall
IPA
GB/ʃˈæl/
US/ʃˈæl/
Syllables & stress
shall (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (shall)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: shall
- Past: should
Word family
Forms
should
verb A2
Highlights
- Irregular past: should Verb
Expressions
Shall I...?
1/ʃˈæl ˈaɪ ‖/
fixed phrase
polite offer to help or act for someone else
A polite way to ask if someone wants you to do something.
Examples
- Shall I open the window?
- Shall I call a taxi for you?
Shall we?
1/ʃˈæl wˈi ‖/
fixed phrase
polite suggestion to act together
A polite way to ask if you and someone else should do something now.
Examples
- It's getting late. Shall we?
- We've finished dinner. Shall we?