Updated on October 7, 2024
Shall vs should: How to decide
For English learners, it can be difficult to decide when to use shall vs should. The word shall is used to show certainty of intention about an action that will happen in the future. The word should is used to express uncertainty and to give suggestions or advice. Shall is used more in formal writing, like legal documents. Should is used in common conversation and writing.
Let’s get some advice on the difference between shall and should and why it’s important.
Before deciding to use shall or should let’s review what type of words shall and should are, grammatically speaking.
Shall and should are modal verbs. Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary or helping verb. They work with other verbs to express different meanings such as conditionality, necessity, obligation, ability and wishful desire.
The modal is always followed by a verb in the infinitive form.
A modal verb works with another verb to weaken or strengthen the verb and to add clarity to what you are saying.
The word shall is used to express something that will happen. Shall expresses certainty. Shall is also used for ideas related to rules or laws.
When you practice English grammar exercises, you will notice another modal word: must. Must is another modal used to demonstrate obligation. You will see it when talking about rules, but don’t confuse it with shall.
Should is used to express obligation or duty, to express a personal opinion or to give advice. We like to tell people what they should do.
Let’s look at some examples of when to use each.
| Examples with should | Type of use |
| You should sleep more. | To express a personal opinion or giving advice |
| They should have come to the wedding. They missed a great party. | To express a desire or regret from the past that did not happen |
| What job should I apply for? | Asking for an opinion |
| How should I know what happened at the party? I wasn’t invited. | To express surprise or anger |
| Examples with shall | Type of use |
| I shall be in the office at 7:00 AM tomorrow. | To express certainty about the future |
| Children under seven shall not enter the building alone. | To express rules |
Tip: “Shall” is interchangeable with the word “will”. They both express certainty about the future. If you aren’t sure about using should vs. shall, try replacing it with the word “will”. If it fits, “shall” is the right choice.
Using shall and should interchangeably can create confusion. We use these words for advanced business vocabulary and official documentation.
Here are some examples you could see in a legal document:
When you see the word shall in a legal document it means something must happen. If you have signed the document, your actions are legally binding. If you understand the word to mean something else, then you could have serious problems!
You should study English every day. I shall quiz you later on what you learned. Remember, should expresses uncertainty or opinions and shall expresses certainty and rules. You should know the difference. And you shall use the words correctly from today forward.
