Unit 11.2
Questions with Shall…?
Introduction
Shall is a modal verb used in question form to ask for instructions or for formulating requests in a polite way.
Form
We form questions using shall by using this structure:
Shall + subject* + verb + …?
*It is used only in the first person singular and plural.
Example
Asking for instructions
- My guests are vegetarians, what shall I cook?
- I’m allergic to onion so what shall I do if I accidentally eat some?
- What shall we do if the baby doesn’t drink the milk?
Make suggestions
- Shall I ask for the bill now?
- Shall I book a table?
- Shall we go to an Italian restaurant?
Offer services
- Shall I bring you an aperitif?
- Shall I bring you a glass?
- Shall we do it for you?
Use
We use shall in the first person singular and plural to ask questions or make requests in a more polite way. We can also use it to:
- Ask for instructions;
- Make suggestions;
- Offer services.
Summary
The modal verb shall is used to ask for instructions, suggestions and services. When we use it, we start with shall followed by the subject and a verb (the sentence ends with a question mark).
For example:
— “Shall we help them?” = Shall is considered to be more formal and it is not commonly used.
♦ “Will we help them?” = Will is less formal and it is more commonly used.
NOTE: Will and shall have the same meaning, but shall is used only in the first person singular and plural.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.
Exercises
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