'll
Definition
- Contraction:
- Short form of "will": "'ll" is a contraction used in informal speech and writing to represent the modal verb "will." It is attached to the end of pronouns (e.g., I, you, he, she, it, we, they) and sometimes nouns to indicate future tense or willingness.
- Example: I'll go to the store. (I will go to the store.)
Usage Examples
With pronouns:
- She'll arrive at noon. (She will arrive at noon.)
- We'll see you tomorrow. (We will see you tomorrow.)
- They'll help us with the project. (They will help us with the project.)
With nouns:
- The meeting'll start soon. (The meeting will start soon.) — Informal usage.
Advanced Usage
In questions: "'ll" can be attached to the subject in interrogative sentences, often after "who," "what," or "when."
- Who'll be at the party? (Who will be at the party?)
- What'll we do now? (What will we do now?)
In negative contractions: "'ll" is combined with "not" to form "won't," not "lln't." However, "'ll" itself is never used in negative forms.
- He'll not come. (He will not come. Note: "He'll not" is less common than "He won't.")
In conditional sentences: "'ll" is common in "if" clauses to express a future result.
- If you study hard, you'll pass. (If you study hard, you will pass.)
Variants and Related Words
Won't (contraction): short form of "will not."
- I won't be late. (I will not be late.)
'd (contraction): short form of "would" or "had," similar in usage to "'ll" but for different tenses.
- I'd like some water. (I would like some water.) — Not to be confused with "'ll."
Synonyms
- Shall (formal): used in place of "will" in first-person questions or formal statements.
- I shall attend the ceremony. (I will attend the ceremony.) — Formal.
Related Idioms
"I'll say": an expression of strong agreement.
- "This is a great movie." "I'll say!" (I strongly agree.)
"You'll see": a phrase used to promise or warn that something will happen.
- You'll see that I'm right about this. (You will eventually realize I am correct.)