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ARTICLE · 07 JUNE 2021

"Shall" Shocked

JSA Advocates & Solicitors
JSA Advocates & Solicitors
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JSA Advocates & Solicitors

JSA Advocates & Solicitors

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"Shall" is an interesting and a peculiar word.

IndiaLaw Department Performance

"Shall" is an interesting and a peculiar word. Why would I describe a five-letter common place monosyllable word like that? In English grammar, shall is one of the "modal verbs" (also called "helping verbs") like can, will, could, shall, must, would, might, and should. The purpose of a modal verb is to add meaning to the main verb in a sentence by expressing possibility, ability, permission, or obligation. For example, "You must complete this task on time"; "He might be the inspiration for my life"; "The doctor can see you now". "Shall" is an interesting word because in ordinary English, it is the least used modal verb. The most common ones are will, may, can, should, and would. Shall is a peculiar word because it is the most frequently used modal verb in legal drafting.

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