Stating an intention

4.194 Intentions are usually stated by using 'will', 'shall', or 'must' in a declarative sentence. The subject is 'I' or 'we'.

intentions: 'will' 4.195 The usual way to state an intention is to use 'I' or 'we' with 'will'. The shortened forms 'I'll' and 'we'll' are very common.

I will call you when I am ready.

We will stay here.

I'll write again some time.

We'll discuss that later.

You state your intention not to do something using 'will not' or 'won't'.

I will not follow her.

I won't keep you any longer.

We won't let them through the gate.

4.196 You can indicate that you are very determined to do something by using the full form 'I will' or 'we will' and stressing 'will'.

You can indicate that you are very determined not to do something either by using 'I won't' or 'we won't' and stressing 'won't', or by using 'I will not' or 'we will not' and stressing 'not'.

intentions: 'shall' 4.197 Another way of stating an intention is to use 'I' or 'we' with 'shall'. This use is slightly old-fashioned and rather formal.

I shall be leaving soon.

I shall make some enquiries and call you back.

We shall be a very progressive group.

You can indicate that you are very determined not to do something by using 'shall not' or 'shan't'. This is more emphatic than using 'will not' or 'won't'.

I shall not return unless paid to do so.

I shan't go back there.

intentions: 'must' 4.198 If you want to indicate that it is important that you do something, you can use 'must' with 'I'.

I must leave fairly soon.

I must ask her about that.

I haven't seen her for ages, I must phone her up.

4.199 Ways of stating an intention without using a modal are explained in paragraphs 4.241 to 4.244.

Indicating unwillingness or refusal

4.200 Unwillingness or a refusal can be expressed by using a modal in a negative declarative sentence. The subject is usually 'I' or 'we', but other personal pronouns or noun groups can be used.

4.201 If you want to say firmly that you are unwilling to do something, you use 'will not' or 'won't'.

I will not hear a word said against the National Health Service.

I won't leave you. You can't make me!

If you are refusing to do something, you can just say 'I won't'.

'Tell me your secret.'—'I won't. It wouldn't be a secret if l told you.'

'You'll just have to search every single one.'—'Well, I won't!'

You can use 'won't' to say that someone else is unwilling to do something.

He won't give her a divorce.

4.202 If you want to say that you were unwilling to do something in the past, you use 'would not' or 'wouldn't'.

He thought I was a freak because I wouldn't carry a weapon.

4.203 If you want to indicate that you have strong feelings which prevent you from doing something, you use 'cannot' or 'can't'.

I cannot leave everything for him.

I can't give you up.

4.204 'Couldn't' is used in two ways to express unwillingness to do something.

You use it to indicate that you are unwilling to do something because you are afraid, embarrassed, or disgusted.

I couldn't possibly go out now.

I couldn't let him touch me.

You use it to indicate that you are unwilling to do something because you think it would be unfair or morally wrong.

I couldn't leave Hilary behind to cope on her own.

I couldn't take your last cigarette.

4.205 Other ways of expressing unwillingness are described in paragraphs 4.245 to 4.247.