will
A1Formal, Informal, Legal
Definition
Meaning
The auxiliary verb used to form the future tense, or the noun meaning one's intention or desire.
An auxiliary verb expressing future time, prediction, intention, willingness, or habitual characteristic; as a noun, it refers to a person's volition, determination, or a legal document disposing of property after death.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The modal 'will' is highly grammaticalized for future time but retains deontic (volition, willingness) and dynamic (characteristic) meanings, especially in certain constructions (e.g., 'If you will...'). The noun is polysemous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Negation 'won't' is universal. Use in formal legal contexts (e.g., 'Last Will and Testament') is identical. Minor potential differences in frequency of volitional 'will' (e.g., 'Will you have a seat?' vs. US preference for 'Have a seat.').
Connotations
Noun 'will' has strong connotations of determination and legal authority in both varieties.
Frequency
As a future marker, 'will' is extremely high-frequency in both. The noun is common but less frequent.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] will VP (future)[NP] will VP (volition)[NP] have the will to VP[NP] do sth by force of willVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Where there's a will, there's a way.”
- “Against one's will.”
- “At will.”
- “A will of one's own.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board will meet next quarter. There is a lack of political will to change the policy.
Academic
The experiment will be conducted under controlled conditions. The philosopher debated the concept of free will.
Everyday
I'll call you later. She has a strong will and never gives up.
Technical
The program will execute the next command. The testator must be of sound mind to execute a valid will.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- It will likely rain this afternoon.
- Will you have a cup of tea?
- He will often take a long walk after supper.
American English
- The team will probably win the championship.
- Will you sign here, please?
- She will sometimes work late into the night.
adverb
British English
- (Note: 'will' is not used as a standard adverb.)
American English
- (Note: 'will' is not used as a standard adverb.)
adjective
British English
- She was will-less after the shocking news.
- (Note: 'Will' as an adjective is rare and often hyphenated, e.g., 'strong-willed')
American English
- He is a strong-willed individual.
- (Note: 'Will' as an adjective is rare and often hyphenated, e.g., 'weak-willed')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I will see you tomorrow.
- She has a small dog.
- They will help us.
- If you study hard, you will pass the exam.
- He made the decision of his own free will.
- The meeting will start at 9 AM sharp.
- Despite the pressure, she exerted her will and refused to comply.
- The device will automatically shut down in case of overheating.
- Where there's a will, there's a way to solve this problem.
- The legislation will be enacted irrespective of the lack of political will among certain factions.
- Her last will and testament was contested by the beneficiaries, who questioned her testamentary capacity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Will I do it? Yes, I WILL. Think of your future WILL (document) stating what WILL happen to your assets.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FUTURE IS A FORCE MOVING TOWARDS US (We will arrive tomorrow). WILL IS A POSSESSED OBJECT (She has a strong will). WILL IS A CONTAINER (He poured his will into the project).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating future 'will' with present tense (EN: I will go ≠ RU: Я иду).
- Noun 'will' (determination) is not 'воля' in all contexts (воля often means 'freedom').
- Don't use 'will' for immediate intentions where 'going to' is better.
- Confusion with the name 'Will'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'will' in time clauses ('When I will arrive' → 'When I arrive').
- Overusing 'will' for fixed schedules ('The train leaves at 5' not 'will leave').
- Incorrect contraction: "'I'll' is fine, but 'willn't' doesn't exist (use 'won't')."
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'will' used to express a characteristic habit?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Will' often suggests a spontaneous decision, prediction, or promise. 'Going to' indicates a plan or intention made before speaking, or a prediction based on current evidence.
In modern English, especially American English, 'shall' is largely replaced by 'will' for simple future. 'Shall' remains in formal or legal contexts, and in questions for suggestions ('Shall we go?').
Yes, but not for simple present tense. It can express characteristic behaviour ("He will talk for hours") or, in a formal/polite context, willingness ("The door will not open").
A 'will' (or 'last will and testament') is a legal document in which a person specifies how their property should be distributed after their death. The person making it is the 'testator'.