Using "shall".

M56   Mon Dec 12, 2005 3:34 pm GMT
Using "shall".

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Do you use these, or similar, in your variant of English?

1) I shall be back soon, so don't worry.

2) Shall I get some drinks in?

3) You shall do exactly as I say!

4) What shall we have for supper tonight? Any ideas?
Guest   Mon Dec 12, 2005 4:12 pm GMT
1) no

2) no

3) maybe

4) maybe
Uriel   Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:04 pm GMT
I virtually never use the word "shall".
M56   Mon Dec 12, 2005 5:44 pm GMT
Thanks, All.
Travis   Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:41 pm GMT
I normally do not use the word "shall" myself, but I will use it in when speaking in a markedly formal register, usually for effect or emphasis. And I'd actually use it in alll those different manners as listed above, even though the the last three, and in particular the last two, are the most frequent usages of them for me.
Miguel   Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:48 pm GMT
Shall we have a beer? I´ve only heard using "shall" in this kind of sentences.
Uriel   Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:51 pm GMT
I think the British use "shall" more than Americans. For that matter, "whom" is another word I only use under duress.
Travis   Mon Dec 12, 2005 9:57 pm GMT
>>Shall we have a beer? I´ve only heard using "shall" in this kind of sentences. <<

At least here, "should" is used in many places where one could use "shall". For example, when I'm not using "shall" for effect, I would normaly use "should" rather than "shall"; however, I still wouldn't phrase things that way myself even with "should". Note that I myself would normally use "should" in items two and four; however, I would normally use "will" or "be going to" for item one, and "must" or "have to" for item three.
andre in usa   Mon Dec 12, 2005 11:57 pm GMT
I use the word "shall" but I think it's becoming archaic in America. I use it most often in phrases like "Shall we..." or "Shall I...."
Thomas   Tue Dec 13, 2005 12:52 am GMT
How about

5) Let's go, shall we?

?
Guest   Tue Dec 13, 2005 1:59 am GMT
5) yes
Guest   Tue Dec 13, 2005 4:03 am GMT
Do you use these, or similar, in your variant of English?

1) I shall be back soon, so don't worry.

2) Shall I get some drinks in?

3) You shall do exactly as I say!

4) What shall we have for supper tonight? Any ideas?

5) Let's go, shall we?

1.- I don't usually use "shall" there, I normally use a contraction or just "will".

2.- Yes, I would also use "do you want me to" or "would you like me to" instead of "shall" but in my opinion "shall" here is shorter and nicer.

3.- No. I'd rather use "must" instead.

4.- Not sure, I'd use "what are we going to have"

5.- Most definitely.

In general, I use shall with We and I, for offers, and when I want to emphasize the sense of a future action or something.