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Unit 06
Will
Predictions, offers & decisions
What is "Will" Used For?
We use will ('ll) for spontaneous decisions, predictions without visible evidence, promises, offers, and future facts. Unlike "going to", will is used when the decision is made at the moment of speaking.
Form
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Subject + will / 'll + base verb | I'll call you later. |
| Negative | Subject + won't + base verb | She won't be there. |
| Question | Will + subject + base verb? | Will you help me? |
| Short answer | Yes/No + subject + will/won't | Yes, I will. / No, she won't. |
Five Uses of Will
| Use | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Spontaneous decision | Decided at the moment of speaking | A: We're out of coffee. B: I'll buy some. |
| Prediction | Opinion — no visible evidence | I think it'll be cold tomorrow. |
| Promise | Commitment about the future | I won't forget your birthday. |
| Offer | Volunteering to help | I'll carry your bag. |
| Future fact | Something certain about the future | The sun will rise at 6 a.m. |
Will vs Going To — Key Difference
| Will | Going To |
|---|---|
| Decision made NOW, at the moment of speaking | Decision made BEFORE speaking |
| A: The phone's ringing! B: I'll get it. | I'm going to call him tonight. (already planned) |
| Prediction — opinion only: I think she'll win. | Prediction — evidence: Look! It's going to rain! |
Shall I...? / Shall we...?
For offers and suggestions with I and we, English often uses shall in questions:
| Use | Example | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Offer (I) | Shall I open the window? | Yes, please. / No, thanks, I'm fine. |
| Suggestion (we) | Shall we get a taxi? | Good idea! / Let's walk instead. |
| Asking for advice | What shall I do? | Why don't you call her? |
Probably, Definitely & "I don't think"
- probably / definitely go after will but before won't: She'll probably come. · She probably won't come.
- For negative opinions, English prefers I don't think + will: I don't think he'll come. This is more natural than I think he won't come.
- Will can also be a polite request: Will you help me, please? (Would you...? is even more polite.)
Annotated Examples
Subject
Verb
Auxiliary
Object
Adjective
Adverb
Preposition
Hover over any word to see its role.
subjectI'llverbhelpobjectyouobjectwith that.
↳ Spontaneous offer — decided at the moment.
subjectSheauxiliarywon'tverbbeprepositionatobjectthe meeting.
↳ Negative prediction / fact.
auxiliaryWillsubjecttheyverbarriveadverbon time?
↳ Question about the future.
Common Time Expressions with Will
- tomorrow / next week / next year
- soon / later / in a moment
- one day / someday / in the future
- Example: I'll see you tomorrow. / She'll call you soon.
Common Mistakes
I will to go home.
→
I will go home.
No "to" after "will" — use the base form.
She wills come.
→
She will come.
"Will" never changes — no -s for third person.
It will raining tomorrow.
→
It will rain tomorrow.
After "will" use the base form, not -ing.
I'm will go later.
→
I'll go later.
Don't mix "am" and "will" — use "'ll".
Will I open the window? (offer)
→
Shall I open the window?
For offers with "I", use "Shall I...?"
She won't probably come.
→
She probably won't come.
"Probably" goes before won't (but after will).
I think he won't come.
→
I don't think he'll come.
Not wrong, but English usually makes "think" negative.