Difference Between Shall and Should (With Table & Examples)
The difference between shall and should is important for anyone learning English. Knowing when to use these modal verbs helps in writing, speaking, exams, and formal settings. This is especially true for school students, competitive exams, and anyone wanting clear, correct English. Let’s explore the grammar rules, meaning, and real-life usage of shall and should.
| Modal Verb | Meaning | Main Use | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shall | Expresses certainty, strong intention, or legal obligation | Formal future actions, official rules, offers, legal requirements | Shall we begin? Each student shall wear uniform. |
| Should | Suggests duty, advice, probability, or soft obligation | Recommendations, expectations, polite advice, weak obligation | You should eat healthy. Candidates should answer all questions. |
Difference Between Shall and Should
Shall and should are both modal auxiliary verbs. "Shall" shows strong intention, certainty, or obligation, especially in laws or formal English. "Should" gives advice, recommendation, or a weaker sense of duty. Their correct use avoids mistakes in writing, exams, or formal speaking.
Shall and Should in Grammar Rules
In English grammar, modal verbs like shall and should change the mood of a sentence. "Shall" is mainly used for offers, suggestions, or talking about the future in formal contexts. "Should" is common for advice, opinions, expectations, or expressing what is the right thing to do.
Rules for Using Shall
- Use with "I" and "We" for offers and suggestions (e.g. Shall we start?)
- Shows obligation or command in legal or formal texts (e.g. Students shall wear uniforms.)
- Rarely used for simple future (modern English prefers "will")
Rules for Using Should
- Gives advice or suggestions (e.g. You should study daily.)
- Expresses what is expected or probable (e.g. The train should arrive soon.)
- Used for polite requests (e.g. Should I call later?)
- Softens obligation or expresses recommendation in rules (e.g. You should wear a helmet.)
Shall vs Should Examples in Sentences
| Sentence | Modal Used | Reason/Context |
|---|---|---|
| Shall I open the window? | Shall | Offer / Suggestion |
| All candidates shall submit forms by Friday. | Shall | Formal rule / Obligation |
| You should finish your homework before playing. | Should | Advice / Recommendation |
| People should take care of the environment. | Should | Duty / Recommendation |
Shall and Should in Legal and Formal English
In legal, technical, or standard documents, "shall" means something is mandatory. For example, "The company shall provide safety equipment." "Should" shows something is recommended but not compulsory, such as, "Visitors should wear ID cards at all times."
When to Use Shall in Legal Documents
- Mandatory requirement: "The contract shall be signed by both parties."
- Stating legal duty or official rule.
When to Use Should in Legal or Academic Writing
- Recommendation: "The report should include references."
- Best practice, not a binding rule.
Common Mistakes with Shall and Should
- Using "shall" in casual modern English for the future (use "will" instead).
- Confusing obligation with advice (e.g. "should" is not as strong as "shall" in rules).
- Mixing up legal and everyday contexts.
- Writing "should" in place of "shall" in contracts or official guidelines, making rules less strict than intended.
Practice: Shall and Should Exercises
Test your learning. Choose "shall" or "should" for each sentence.
- ____ we go to the library? (Suggestion)
- Students ____ bring their textbooks every day. (Rule/Requirement)
- You ____ try to sleep early before exams. (Advice)
- The application ____ be submitted by 3 PM. (Obligation)
- All visitors ____ register at reception. (Recommendation)
Answers:
1. Shall
2. Shall
3. Should
4. Shall
5. Should
Quick Tips for Shall vs Should
- "Shall" = definite, formal, commands, rules, offers.
- "Should" = advice, polite requests, recommendations, softer obligations.
- For most future tense in modern English, use "will" not "shall" (except in formal or legal writing).
- Read exam instructions/requirements carefully—understand if rules are strict ("shall") or suggestions ("should").
- Practice by writing your own sentences using both words for quick revision.
Related Grammar Concepts on Vedantu
- Modal Verbs
- Auxiliary Verbs and Modal Verbs
- Difference Between Can and Could
- Uses of Modals in English Language
- Helping Verbs
- Past Tense of Like Word
- Structure of Should
- Shall and Will
- English Grammar
Understanding the difference between shall and should helps avoid errors in exams, writing, and daily English. "Shall" shows certainty or official obligation, while "should" is used for advice and suggestions. Practice with examples and rules. For more grammar support, visit Vedantu’s English resources and improve your language skills.
FAQs on Shall vs Should: Key Differences, Rules & Usage
1. What is the difference between shall and should?
The core difference between shall and should lies in their function as modal verbs. Shall, now largely archaic except in legal contexts, indicates a strong intention or future certainty. Should expresses a recommendation, suggestion, or less forceful obligation.
2. Where do we use 'shall' and 'should' in a sentence?
Shall is rarely used in modern English, mostly confined to formal writing or legal documents where it implies obligation. Should is more common, conveying advice, suggestions, and less-certain obligations. For instance, "You should study harder" (advice) vs. "The contract shall be signed by both parties" (legal obligation).
3. How do legal documents use 'shall' vs 'should'?
In legal English, shall often denotes a mandatory requirement or obligation. Should, conversely, typically indicates a recommendation or less-stringent guideline. The precise meaning depends on the overall legal context and the intent of the document. This distinction is vital to avoid misinterpretations.
4. Can 'shall' and 'should' be used interchangeably?
No, shall and should are not interchangeable. Shall conveys a stronger sense of obligation or certainty, primarily found in formal or legal contexts. Should expresses a milder obligation, suggestion, or expectation.
5. Is 'should' the past tense of 'shall'?
While historically linked, should is not strictly the past tense of shall in modern English grammar. They maintain distinct meanings and uses; treating should as a simple past tense of shall is inaccurate.
6. What is the difference between shall and should in legal terms?
In legal documents, shall generally indicates a mandatory obligation, a legally binding requirement. Should suggests a recommendation or a less-binding guideline. This subtle but crucial difference can significantly impact legal interpretations.
7. What is the rule for using shall?
The rule for using shall is largely historical. In modern English, it's primarily found in legal texts and older literature, expressing a strong future intention or obligation. Otherwise, it's best avoided in favor of more contemporary alternatives like "will" or "must."
8. What is the rule for using should?
Should expresses a recommendation, a less forceful obligation, or a conditional statement. Use it for advice, suggestions, or to indicate something that is probable or desirable. For example, "You should consider this option" or "It should rain later."
9. What is the difference between shall and should in requirements?
In requirements documents, shall denotes a strict, mandatory requirement that must be met. Should suggests a recommendation or a desirable feature, but not a strict necessity. Misunderstanding this distinction can lead to misinterpretations.
10. Shall vs must vs should?
Shall (mostly legal/formal), must (strong obligation), and should (recommendation/weaker obligation) all express obligation but with varying degrees of force. Must indicates a strict necessity, while should is softer and more suggestive.
11. What is the difference between shall and will?
The difference between shall and will is largely outdated, with will having largely replaced shall. Historically, shall was used to express future tense in the first person (I/we), while will was used for other persons. Nowadays, will is used across the board for expressing the future.
