| Assumption | will guesses what is true now, from what the speaker knows | That'll be Tom at the door. / She won't be home yet. |
| Habit | what is always or typically true | Oil will float on water. / He will sit there for hours. |
| Willingness | will is willing, won't refuses, for people and things | The shop will change it. / The car won't start. |
| Request | Will you…? asks directly, Would you…? is softer | Will you open the window? |
| Shall question | Shall + I / we + V offers, suggests or asks what to do | Shall I open the window? / Let's go, shall we? |
| C1Guess in progress | will be + V-ing guesses what is happening now | Don't call yet. They'll be having dinner. |
| C1Guess about the past | will have + past participle guesses about something finished | You'll have heard the news. |
| C1Persistent habit | stressed will shows an annoying habit | He will keep interrupting. |
| C1Formal shall | shall after I or we, and in rules and promises | I shall be there. / Passengers shall not smoke. |
| C2Legal shall | shall states a duty on any subject in laws and contracts | The tenant shall pay the rent monthly. / Thou shalt not steal. |
| C2Command | will gives an order as a fact; will do accepts it | You will report at nine. |
| Trap | an offer with I takes shall | Shall I carry your bag? |