Modal verb
The modal verb will
will · never changes
A1Meaning: used to talk about the future; used for promises and offers · Type: modal
Key points to remember
- Future modal:
will + base form - Same form for everyone:
I/you/he/she/we/they will - Short form:
'll(I'll, you'll, he'll...) - Negative:
will notorwon't
Conjugation of the modal verb will
Modal verbs never change: the same form for I / you / he / she / it / we / they, no -s in the 3rd person, and no to before the next verb.
Affirmative
subject + will + base form
Common contractions: I'll, you'll, he'll, she'll, we'll, they'll
- I'll see you tomorrow.
- She will pass the exam.
Negative
subject + will not / won't
- I won't be late.
- They won't agree.
Question
will + subject + base form?
- Will you come with me?
- Will it rain?
Irregular negative short form: won't (not willn't). In the past or in the Conditional: would.
How to use will
1. Future Simple (instant decision, prediction)
Use will for a decision you make now, or to say what you think will happen.
- I'll call you tomorrow.
- It will rain.
2. Promises, offers, instant decisions
I'll help you is an offer. I promise I won't be late is a promise.
- I'll help you.
- I promise I won't be late.
3. Polite requests or orders
Will you…? can ask someone to do something.
- Will you close the door, please?
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Will or going to?
Will = a decision you make now, or a prediction with no visible sign (It will be fine). Be going to = a plan you already have, or a prediction based on what you can see (Look at the clouds! It's going to rain).
2. I will to come ❌
After will, use the base form without to: I will come ✓ / I will to come ✗. And no -s with he, she or it: She will come, never She wills come.
3. The short form 'll
Very common in speech: I'll, you'll, he'll, we'll. The negative is won't: I'll call you. I won't forget.
Going further
Conjugating to will is a key skill in the English contest
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Related pages: will
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use will?+
Will + the base form of the verb (without to): I will come tomorrow. It is the same for every person: I, you, he, she, we, they will + verb.
What is the difference between will and going to?+
Will = a decision you make at the moment you speak, or a general prediction: I think it will rain. Be going to = a plan you already have (I'm going to study tonight), or a prediction based on what you can see (Look at the clouds! It's going to rain.)
What is the negative and the short form of will?+
Negative: will not (full form) or won't (short form): I won't come. In the affirmative, the short form is 'll: I'll come.
Is will always for the future?+
Will is mainly for the future, but it can also make a promise (I won't be late), an offer (I'll help you) or a polite request (Will you help me?).
How do you pronounce won't?+
Won't is said /wəʊnt/, like don't but with a w. It is different from want /wɒnt/. Be careful not to mix them up when you speak.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/will
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.