they'll
Definition
- Contraction:
- Short form of "they will": "they'll" is a contraction used in informal or spoken English to represent the words "they will," indicating a future action or intention by a group of people or entities.
- Short form of "they shall": In some formal or traditional contexts, "they'll" can also represent "they shall," though this usage is less common in modern English.
Usage Examples
- As "they will":
- They'll arrive at the airport at 3 PM tomorrow. (They will arrive at that time.)
- If you ask them nicely, they'll help you with the project. (They will help if asked politely.)
- As "they shall" (rare, formal):
- The rules state that they'll abide by the decision. (They shall abide.)
Advanced Usage
- In conditional sentences:
- If they study hard, they'll pass the exam. (They will pass as a result of studying.)
- In promises or predictions:
- Don't worry — they'll be here soon. (A prediction about their arrival.)
- In negative form (with "not"):
- They'll not agree to the terms. (They will not agree; equivalent to "they won't.")
Variants and Related Words
- They will (full form): the complete expression that "they'll" abbreviates.
- They will attend the meeting. (Full form, more formal.)
- They shall (full form): the less common full form.
- They shall receive their awards. (Formal or legal context.)
- Won't (contraction of "will not"): used in the negative.
- They won't be late. (They will not be late.)
Synonyms
- They are going to: a periphrastic future form.
- They are going to leave soon. (Equivalent to "They'll leave soon.")
- They intend to: expressing intention.
- They intend to finish the work. (Similar to "They'll finish the work.")
Related Idioms
- "They'll be the death of me": an expression of exasperation or affection.
- These children are so noisy — they'll be the death of me! (They will cause me great stress.)
- "They'll never know": used to suggest a secret or hidden action.
- Let's eat the last cookie — they'll never know. (They will not discover it.)