shall

shall · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    (modal verb) Used to express the future tense, especially with first person subjects.

  2. 2.

    (modal verb) Used to express determination or intention.

  3. 3.

    (modal verb) Used in questions to make offers or suggestions.

  4. 4.

    (modal verb, formal/legal) Expressing an obligation or command.

Related words

See also: must, should, will
Synonyms: must, will

Etymology

From Old English sceal ("I owe, I must"), first and third person singular present indicative of sculan ("to owe, be obliged"), from Proto-Germanic skulaną ("to owe"). Cognate with German sollen ("should, ought to"). Originally expressed obligation; the future tense meaning developed later.