will

Universal Words modal verb, verb, verb, noun modal verb (short form 'll ) 1 used for talking about or predicting the future: You'll be in time if you hurry. * How long will you be staying in Paris? * Fred said he'd be leaving soon. * By next year all the money will have been spent. 2 used for showing that sb is willing to do sth: I'll check this letter for you, if you want. * They won't lend us any more money. * He wouldn't come-he said he was too busy. * We said we would keep them. 3 used for asking sb to do sth: Will you send this letter for me, please? * You'll water the plants while I'm away, won't you? * I asked him if he wouldn't mind calling later. 4 used for ordering sb to do sth: You'll do it this minute! * Will you be quiet! 5 used for stating what you think is probably true: That'll be the doctor now. * You'll have had dinner already, I suppose. 6 used for stating what is generally true: If it's made of wood it will float. * Engines won't run without lubricants. 7 used for stating what is true or possible in a particular case: This jar will hold a kilo. * The door won't open! 8 used for talking about habits: She'll listen to music, alone in her room, for hours. * He would spend hours on the telephone. HELPNOTE If you put extra stress on the word will or would in this meaning, it shows that the habit annoys you: He will comb his hair at the table, even though he knows I don't like it. -< MODAL, SHALL verb [Vwh-] (third person singular present tense will) (only used in the simple present tense) (old-fashioned or formal) to want or like: Call it what you will, it's still a problem. verb 1 to use the power of your mind to do sth or to make sth happen: [VN] As a child he had thought he could fly, if he willed it enough. * [VNtoinf] She willed her eyes to stay open. * He willed himself not to panic. 2 (old use) to intend or want sth to happen: [VN] They thought they had been victorious in battle because God had willed it. [also Vthat] 3 ~ sth (to sb)