Language Research

will · modal verb

/wɪl/Full view

will (FUTURE)

A2 used to talk about what is going to happen in the future, especially things that you are certain about

Dictionary examples:

Ben will be five years old next month.

The train leaves at 8:58, so we'll be in Boston by early afternoon.

I'll see him on Saturday.

Will Susie be there?

It won't be easy to find another secretary.

Learner example:

I will arrive at 8 o'clock. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

will (ABLE/WILLING)

A1 used to talk about what someone or something is able or willing to do

Dictionary examples:

I'll give you a ride.

I've asked her but she won't come.

The car won't start.

Learner example:

I'll cook for you. (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Italian)

will (ASK)

A2 used to ask someone to do something

Dictionary examples:

Will you give me her address?

Will you give that to Tony when you see him, please?

Will you join us for a drink, Evie?

Learner example:

Will you help me to [paint] my bedroom? (Key English Test; A2; Bengali)

will (IF)

A2 used in conditional sentences that start with 'if' and use the present tense

Dictionary examples:

If he's late again, I'll be very angry.

I won't be surprised if she cancels the trip.

Learner example:

If you want [me] to, I'll bring you some of my CDs. (Key English Test; A2; Swiss German)

will have

B2 used to form the future perfect tense

Dictionary examples:

Next month, Gary will have been working here for 10 years.

He'll have reached Denver by tonight.

Learner example:

For a start, if it is quite probabl[e] that scientific [research] will have found how to cure some of the more lethal diseases, e.g. cancer and AIDS, by 2050. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

will · noun

/wɪl/

will (MENTAL POWER)

B2 C or U the mental power used to control and direct your thoughts and actions, or a determination to do something, despite any difficulties or opposition

Dictionary examples:

From an early age she had a very strong will.

After six months in the hospital she began to lose the will to live.

Learner example:

How would you find the will to look for another job? (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

will (WHAT SOMEONE WANTS)

C1 U what someone wants to happen

Dictionary examples:

Against their will, they were forced to hold a meeting.

The state can't just impose its will on local communities.

Learner example:

But if you go [and] learn a language against your will, then it's better not to go at all. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

will (DOCUMENT)

C2 C an official statement of what a person has decided should be done with their money and property after their death

Dictionary examples:

Have you made a will yet?

She left me some money in her will.

Learner example:

This uncle of mine, rich as he was, decided to make a will some years before his death. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)