"Will" is a very important, basic word in English. It's original meaning was "wish" or "desire". Now we use it in many ways. The word has become an important part of English grammar.

Make a sentence with "will" like this, using a subject, will, a verb, and an object (if you need one):

Make a negative sentence like this:

Make a question with "will" like this:

When speaking, "will" is often shortened to "ll":

• I will → I'll;
• You will → You'll;
• They will →They'll; etc.

Also, "will not" becomes "won't".

"Would" is used as a past form of "will", and also to show something is not so sure.

How to use "will"

It is used in these main ways:

1. to talk about the future;
2. to express certainty;
3. to talk about decisions and willingness;
4. to make requests and orders;
5. to make an offer; 
6. to be indirect and polite; and
7. to talk about habits.

1. The future

"Will" is used to talk about the future. We use "will" for predictions and when we are asking or giving information about the future:

• "It will be here tomorrow."
• "When will you get here?"
• "The train will arrive on platform four."
• "I will be back in about 20 minutes."

2. Certainty

"Will" is also used to show 100% certainty. We use "will" when we are totally sure of something in the present or the future:

• "He will know the answer."
• "She will win the game."
• "It's 3 pm, so he will be in the office."

When we are sure about something that happened in the past, we use "will have" + the past participle:

• "It's late. He will have finished work by now." 
• "You will have seen that movie when you were a kid."
• "He will have forgotten to call."

3. Decisions

We use "will" to show we have made a decision (at that time), or that we are willing to do something:

• "I'll do it!"
• "I will have the pasta."
• "I'll email him and ask."

It can also be used to show your intention is very strong, like when you make a promise:

• "I will never do it again."
• "I will get you the best present ever!" 
• "I will make our company number one in Japan!"

When you make a negative sentence, it shows a refusal. It is a strong way of saying "no":

• "I will not pay you that much." 
• "They won't accept our offer."

4. Requests

One way to give an order, or ask someone to do something, is to use "will":

• "Will you call me tomorrow?" 
• "Will you stop it!"
• "You will be here on time tomorrow."
• "You will eat your vegetables."

It can be very strong, but if you use "would" in a question form ("would" first in the sentence), you can make it softer:

• "Would you please call me tomorrow?"
• "Would you please stop it."

But you cannot use "would" like this in a normal sentence:

• "You would be here on time tomorrow." 
• "You would eat your vegetables."

5. Offers

If you want to make an offer, you can use "will" in a question:

• "Will you have something to drink?"
• "Will you stay for dinner?" 

6. Being indirect

In English, we can be indirect by asking someone to do something using "will". This feels polite to an English speaker, because it feels like you do not have to do it now. You can do it later.

• "You will need to come with me."
• "I'm sorry, but you will have to switch off your cell phone." 
• "That'll be $19.50, thanks."

7. Habits

We use "will" for things that are habits, or usually happen:

• "When we go to the movies, we will usually have popcorn and coke."
• "Japanese people are so kind. They will always offer to help a stranger."
• "Reading more will improve your English."