will1

 
Pronunciation: /wɪl/

modal verb (3rd singular present will; past would /wʊd/)

  • 1expressing the future tense: you will regret it when you are older
  • expressing a strong intention or assertion about the future: come what may, I will succeed
  • 2expressing inevitable events: accidents will happen
  • 3expressing a request: will you stop here, please
  • expressing desire, consent, or willingness: will you have a cognac?
  • 4expressing facts about ability or capacity: a rock so light that it will float on water your tank will hold about 26 gallons
  • 5expressing habitual behaviour: she will dance for hours
  • (pronounced stressing ‘will’) indicating annoyance about the habitual behaviour described: he will keep intruding
  • 6expressing probability or expectation about something in the present: they will be miles away by now

Phrases

will do

informal expressing willingness to carry out a request or suggestion: ‘Might be best to check.’ ‘Righty-ho, will do.’

Origin:

Old English wyllan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch willen, German wollen, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin velle 'will, wish'

On the differences in use between will and shall, see shall (usage).