Examples

I shall have to to say something to her.

I will visit my aunt today.

Would you (be so kind as to) pick Jennifer up from school on Monday?

There's no doubt about it. I would definitely (I'd definitely) travel to Mexico with you, if I could afford it.

What do you think I should do now? Should I write him a letter, send him an e-mail, or should I try to phone him up?

If you are still sick, you should stay at home. You shouldn't be out of the house.

If you should see her at the concert, do give her my best regards.


Shall (the negative contraction is shan't) and will (the negative contraction is won't) are used to refer to the simple future. Will can be used in all persons. Shall is also sometimes used in the first person when it has the same meaning as will.

Would (the negative contraction is wouldn't)
Would is sometimes used as an alternative to 'used to' when discussing past habits. Would is also used to make polite requests. Would is also associated with the conditional in its simple, progressive, perfect and passive aspects.

Should (the negative contraction is shouldn't)
Should is often used in connection with requests for advice or instruction. Should is often used to talk about obligation and duty as an alternative to 'ought to'. Should is used after "if" when a slight possibility is suggested.