We explain the difference between Shall and Can with table. There are particular words in each language that simplify a complex sentence into a single word. In English grammar we have particular words (modal verbs) that simplify larger action sentences into simple words that denote future actions or events in the alignment.
In modern English, “will” has become rare. That means that most people just don’t use this word. In fact, in American English, “will” is used very rarely; it is mainly found in some questions.
There are some words like “may” that are used to show skills, possibilities, and polite expressions.
There are some words like “shall” that are used to represent normal future events and strong future events.
The difference between Shall and Can, is used must to represent events and can is used to represent possibilities.
Comparison table between Shall and Can (in tabular form)
The comparison parameter can
| Purpose | The word shall is used for the purpose of representing a future action. | The word can is used for the purpose of representing possible opportunities |
| Mood | Create a probable positive phrase | Create a definite positive sentence |
| Use | Formal statements to describe obligations | Formal declarations to request permits |
| Situation | We use will when we need to make an offer or suggestion | We use can when we need to proclaim the output that is the result of finishing a task |
| The use of first person pronouns is allowed | Must be allowed without restrictions | Can is allowed under certain restrictions |
When to use it?
It will belong to the category of modal verbs that are used to indicate future action. It is most commonly used with the first person pronouns I and We to express a future action. Now it is replaced with will.
In formal English, Shall will be used to explain and describe events that will happen in the future and always gives a space to express events as predicted.
It is generally used and heard more in British English compared to American. Usage is also seen more in the formalized format of the language.
Shall is used to express determination in a context (formal context).
Example 1: “All visitors must observe our regulations”
The next use of the word shall is for suggestions as an introductory example.
Example 2: “Shall we start our lessons? “.
In British English, will is used for a more promising or voluntary intonation for something.
Example 3: “Do I feed your daughter? «
We use it for a future event that inevitably expresses itself. For example, “We will overcome the economic situation.”
For the positive sentence, we use a subject with shall, verb, and an object. For negative sentences, we use a subject with shall and not, verb and an object. For interrogative sentences, we use WH with shall, subject, and verb with an object.
Uses of debit in a nutshell:
We use homework for determination, suggestions, promises and volunteering, future events that inevitably indicate. Some of the examples are mentioned below:
- Should ¿I bring coffee?
- That luggage looks heavy. Shall I wear it?
- What should I do with your instructions?
When to use Can?
It is one of the most used modal verbs in English grammar. We usually use this word can to express an opportunity or ability, permissions and to discover / project the possibilities. It is used most of the time in informal contexts.
Example 1:
The speaker says: I can leave my car in that parking lot.
Here the example says that the speaker may possibly leave the car.
Example 2:
The speaker asks: can you help me with my work?
Here the example focuses on the informal request.
Can is used in a sentence in both positive and negative forms based on the context of general ability, ability during a specific event and also on an opportunity and can also be classified for the three forms i.e. past, present and future.
The three main applications of can in sentences are:
- Expressing ability : Physically capable of performing the task or completing the task
- Example 1: I can cook well.
- Example 2: birds can fly.
- Discovering the possibility : It is about predicting the possible outcome
- Example 1: I know you can get good results.
- Example 2: I can do this task for you in one day.
- Offer concept : Offering help to someone in need.
- Example 1: can. Do I have a bottle of water for you?
- Example 2: can Will I come back to you at some point?
- Request something : Ask permission
- Example 1: can I sit in that chair that was assigned to me, please.
- Example 2: Can I go ahead with your confirmation?
Main differences between Shall and Can
- The main difference between will and can is the associated verb tense. Shall is always in the future tense and can is always in the present tense.
- You will focus on making an offer or suggestions, but you can focus on expressing opportunities, promising, and volunteering.
- Shall does not offer a strong affirmation when providing support, whereas she can give a forceful statement.
- Shall is used in formal statements to describe obligations, while can is used to request permission.
- You will focus on the likely answer of doing the things mentioned in the sentence, but you can focus on the ultimate answer of doing the things.
Final Thought
These little words will and can cause a lot of confusion among the general public of varying degrees due to their usage in tenses and the purpose of using these modal verbs.
Most formal or informal sentences have these modal verbs that indicate the positivity or negativity of the sentences, therefore before using these modal verbs one should probably understand the context of use of these words.
It will focus primarily on suggestions and possibilities for things to happen in the future and may primarily focus on expressing opportunities, suggestions and doing things voluntarily in the present and is generally used in those contexts that are generally informal.
