Skip to main content
will

will

1.0
To show that something happens later or that someone plans to do it
  • auxiliary
  • /wɪl/
translation icon : auxiliar de futuro
  • I will meet you at the station after work.

Examples

  • They will start the project next month if everything goes as planned.

  • Do you think it will rain tomorrow?

  • I will go.

  • She will call you later.

  • I will complete my assignments by the end of the week.

  • She will travel to Europe next summer for vacation.

  • They will have a meeting to discuss the new strategy tomorrow.

Idioms

53 3.2

Whenever you want with no limits

What happens becomes clear later

to heads will roll
  • Offensive
2 8.2

Warn that people will be punished or lose their jobs

1 7.9

A sudden time when many people lose control and chaos starts

1 6.0

To act with strong effort and energy

Persuade someone to do what you want

To do what someone else wants even if you do not want to

Says an angry argument is likely to happen

Words that comfort someone by saying things will get better

9.9

You say this when you are very sure something will happen

murder will out
  • Archaic
9.9

The truth about a crime or wrong will come out eventually

A phrase that says hurt to the body is worse than insults and words do not hurt

A question asking which person is the real one

Phrasal Verbs

To change your form or appearance whenever you want

Compounds

93 5.8

Ability to choose what you do without being controlled by outside forces

61 6.6

A plan or wish of God that guides what happens

19 5.3

A strong feeling of dislike or anger toward someone

living will
  • Specialized
14 5.7

An official paper that says what medical care you want if you cannot make decisions

11 1.9

A friendly, helpful feeling toward other people

5 3.9

A strong desire to do well in competition or hard situations

4 4.6

Very strong determination not to give up

will-o'-the-wisp
  • Literature
1 9.9

A pale flickering light that appears at night over marshes

probate will
  • Formal
8.1

A court paper that confirms a dead person's wishes and lets named people manage their money and things

6.5

A strong wish to do things your own way even when others tell you not to

will o' the wisp
  • Literature
9.9

A thing that seems close but cannot be reached

will-maker
  • Specialized
4.6

A person who writes a will saying who gets their things after they die

will-o'-the-wisp
  • Literature
9.9

A hope that leads people on but cannot be reached

How Likely

must
6 1.0
will
1.0
should
1.0
may
1.0

Surface Forms

will infinitive
will third person singular
would past

Etymology

The word will comes from an old Germanic verb willan meaning 'want' or 'wish', and it is the same root as willing and willpower. So when you say I will go, you are showing a choice or desire about the future, which is why will is used to talk about future actions and intentions.