will
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɪl/
US
- /ˈwɪl/
- /wəl/
Description
- future marker
- desire
- determination
- legal document
`Will` is a very common English word with a few important jobs. Most often, it is a helping verb used to talk about the future: "I will call you tonight." It can also show a decision, promise, offer, or willingness, depending on the situation.
As a noun, `will` can mean a person's strong wish or determination, as in "She has the will to continue." It can also mean the legal paper that says who gets a person's money or property after death. The meaning becomes clear from the context: future action, personal determination, or a legal document.
The word `will` changes its role depending on how it is used. Most people first learn it as a helping verb. In that use, it often points to the future: "They will arrive tomorrow." It is also used for instant decisions, promises, offers, requests, and willingness. For example: "I will help," "Will you open the window?" and "He won't listen." So it is not only about future time; it also shows attitude and intention.
As a noun, `will` often means strong determination or inner drive. If someone has "a strong will," they do not give up easily. In phrases like "the will to live" or "free will," it refers to desire, choice, or the power to decide and act.
`Will` also has a legal meaning. A `will`, or a "last will and testament," is the document that says what should happen to a person's property after death. In that sense, it is a formal written statement of someone's wishes.
Because of these different uses, context matters a lot. `Will` may talk about what is going to happen, what someone chooses or wants, how strong their determination is, or what they have written in a legal document.
Examples
- 1
Future action
I'll call you when I get home.
- 2
Opening time
The shop will open at ten tomorrow.
- 3
Prediction
I think you'll enjoy living here.
- 4
Decision now
It's getting dark, so I'll turn on the lights.
- 5
Promise
I'll send the money back tomorrow, I promise.
- 6
Polite request
Will you hold the door for me?
Usage
Will you ...?
a common way to ask someone to do something
- 7
Refusal
My little brother won't wear his new shoes.
Pattern
won't + action
refuses to do it
- 8
Cause and result
If you leave the cake in the oven too long, it will burn.
- 9
Habitual behavior
He'll talk for hours if you ask about football.
Meaning
will can describe something someone usually does
- 10
Confident guess
That'll be Anna at the door.
Pattern
That'll be ...
I'm fairly sure it is ...
- 11
Determination
She has such a strong will that she never gives up.
- 12
Legal document
After he became a father, he finally made a will.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- willverbnoun
Forms
- wouldpast tenseverbnoun