Offering to carry a box and predicting repair time both use will, but do different jobs. A prediction states what the speaker expects; a promise commits the speaker to an action.

The idea

Use will + base verb for every subject, often shortened to 'll. Negate with will not or won't. Ask Will + subject + base verb...? Common uses include predictions, decisions made now, offers and promises. Probably often follows will.

Examples

  • This box is heavy. I'll carry it upstairs.
  • I think the new café will be popular.
  • I won't share your address, I promise.
  • Will you need a receipt?
  • We'll take the earlier ferry, then.
  • The repairs will probably take two days.

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Watch out

Do not add to or third-person -s after will, and do not use do to make its questions or negatives. Will does not make a prediction certain; I think and probably can express limited confidence. English also uses other forms for future meanings.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. I'll ___ the box upstairs. (carry / carries)

    Show answer or example answer

    carry

    Carry is the base form after 'll. It does not take -s.

  2. Choose the correct option. I ___ share your address, I promise. (won't / don't will)

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    won't

    Won't is the standard contraction of will not. Do not combine don't with will.

  3. Which sentence is a promise? (I won't share your address, I promise. / Will you need a receipt?)

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    I won't share your address, I promise.

    I won't share your address, I promise explicitly commits the speaker. The receipt sentence asks about a future need.

Use it today

Respond to a small problem with an offer. Make one decision now, give one realistic prediction with probably, and make a promise you can keep. Label the purpose of each sentence.