Unit 6 - Will(1)
a. We use will('ll) when we decide to do something at the time of speaking:
- Oh, I left the door open. I'll go and shut it.
- "What would you like to drink?" "I'll have some coffee, please."
- "Did you call Ann?" "Oh no, I forgot, I'll do it now."
- I am too tired to walk home. I think I'll take a taxi.
You cannot use the simple present (I do) in these sentences.
- I'll go and shut it.(not I go and shut it)
Do not use will to say what someone has already decided to do or arranged to do:
- I can't meet you tomorrow because my parents are coming to see me.(not my parents will come)
The negative of will is won't (or will not):
-
Receptionist: I'm afraid Mr. Wood can't see you until 4:00.
You: Oh, in the case I won't wait.
We often use I think I'll ... or I don't think I'll ... when we decide to do something:
- I think I'll stay home this evening.
- I don't think I'll go out tonight. I'm too tired.
b. We often use will in these situations:
Offering to do something:
- That bag looks heavy. I'll help you with it.(not I help)
- "I need some money." "Don't worry. I'll lend you some."
Agreeing or refusin to do something:
- A: You know that book I lent you? Can I have it back?
- B: Of course. I'll bring it back this afteroon.(not I bring)
- I've asked John to help me, but we won't.
- The car won't start.(=the car "refuses" to start)
Promising to do something:
- Thank you for lending me the money. I'll pay you back on Friday.(not I pay)
- I won't tell Tom what you said. I promise.
- I promise I'll call you as soon as I arrive.
Asking someone to do something(Will you...?):
- Will you shut the door, please?
- Will you please be quiet? I'm trying to concentrate.
For will see also Unit 7. For will and going to see Unit 8.
Unit 6 Exercises
6.1 Complete the sentences with I'll + an appropriate verb.
Example: I'm too tired to walk home. I think I'll take a taxi.
- I'm a little hungry. I think I'll find something to eat.
- It's too late to call Tom now. I'll call him in the morning.
- "It's a bit cold in this room." "Is it? I'll turn on the heat then."
- "We don't have any milk." "Oh, we don't? I'll go out and get some."
- "Did you write that letter to Jack?" "Oh, I forgot. Thanks for reminding me. I'll write it tonight."
- "Would you like tea or coffee?" "I'll have coffee, please."
6.2 Use I think I'll ... or I don't think I'll ... . Read the situation and then write your sentence.
Example: It's cold. You decide to close the window. I think I'll close the window.
It's raining. You decide not to go out. I don't think I'll go out.
- You feel tired. You decide to go to bed. I think I'll go to bed.
-
A friend of yours offers you ride home, but you decide to walk.
Thank you, but I think I'll walk.
-
You arranged to play tennis. Now you decide that you don't want to play.
I don't think I'll play tennis.
- You were going to go swimming. Now you decide that you don't want to go.
6.3 Offer to do things. Tom has a lot of things to do and you offer to do them for him.
Example: Tom: Oh, I have to clean up. You: No, that's all right. I'll clean up.
- Tom: Oh, I have to get dinner ready. You: No, that's all right. I'll get dinner.
- Tom: Oh, I have to do the shopping. You: No, that's all right. I'll do the shopping.
- Tom: Oh, I have to water the plants. You: No. that's all right. I'll water the plants.
6.4 Agree and promise to do things.
Example: A: Can you clean the windows? B: Sure, I'll clear them this afternoon.
A: Do you promise? B: Yes, I promise I'll clean them this afternoon.
-
A: Can you call me later? B: Sure, I'll call you tonight.
A: Do you promise? B: Yes, I promise I'll call you tonight.
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A: Can you fix the clock? B: Okay, I'll fix the clock tomorrow.
A: Do you promise? B: Yes, I promise I'll fix the clock tomorrow.
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A: Please don't tell anyone. B: All right, I won't tell anyone.
A: Do you promise? B: Yes, I promise I won't tell anyone.
-
A: Please don't hurt me. B: Don't worry, I won't hurt you.
A: Do you promise? B: Yes, I promise I won't hurt you.
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