will

• Verbo modal usado para formar o futuro do presente, expressar vontade, disposição, hábito ou certeza lógica; faz par com 'would' (futuro do pretérito/condicional).

Primary modal auxiliary verb expressing future time reference, volition, willingness, habitual behavior, or logical certainty. Forms a paradigmatic pair with 'would' (past tense / conditional form), where 'would' extends 'will' to hypothetical contexts, past future reference, polite requests, and reported speech. 'Will' is the default auxiliary for neutral future predictions across all English varieties, though 'going to' competes for planned/intended futures. Also expresses spontaneous decisions, promises, threats, characteristic habits, and high-certainty deductions. Distinct from 'shall' (now largely restricted to formal/legal British English) and 'must' (obligation/deduction). Used consistently in spoken and written English at all proficiency levels, with nuanced pragmatic functions emerging at B1+.

1. Neutral Future Time ReferenceA1formal

   Used to express predictions, expectations, or statements about events that will occur after the moment of speaking. This is the most fundamental and frequent use of 'will', serving as the default future auxiliary for spontaneous predictions, general forecasts, or facts about the future. Unlike 'going to', which often emphasizes prior intention or present evidence, 'will' conveys a neutral, speaker-based projection. Common in weather forecasts, scheduling, promises, and everyday planning. 'Would' serves as the backshifted form in reported speech ('He said he will come' → 'He said he would come').

   Futuro neutro

   • The conference will begin at 9 AM sharp tomorrow morning.
   • I think it will rain later this afternoon, so take an umbrella.
   • She will graduate from university next summer with honors.
   • Prices will likely increase due to supply chain disruptions.
   • We will contact you within three business days of receiving your application.

2. Volition, Willingness, or IntentionA2formal

   Expresses the subject's willingness, intention, promise, or determination to perform an action. This volitional use highlights the speaker's or subject's internal motivation, commitment, or readiness. Common in offers ('I'll help you'), promises ('I will always support you'), threats ('You will regret this'), and spontaneous decisions ('I'll have the salad'). The negative form 'won't' can express refusal ('He won't listen to advice'). This function distinguishes 'will' from purely temporal future markers and connects it to modal notions of desire and agency. 'Would' extends this to hypothetical or past volition ('He said he would help').

   Volição, disposição ou intenção

   • I will personally ensure that your complaint is addressed promptly.
   • She won't accept any compromises on the quality standards.
   • If you need assistance, I will be happy to guide you through the process.
   • They will not tolerate any violations of the code of conduct.
   • I'll call you as soon as I arrive at the hotel, don't worry.

3. Habitual or Characteristic Behavior (Present)B1formal

   Describes typical, repeated, or characteristic actions, behaviors, or tendencies in the present time frame. This usage presents habits or inherent qualities as general truths, often with a nuance of predictability or inevitability. Common with adverbs of frequency ('always', 'often', 'sometimes') or generic subjects ('People will...', 'Children will...'). The negative form 'won't' can describe persistent refusal or characteristic absence of an action ('The door won't open'). This function overlaps with simple present tense but adds a modal layer of typicality or expectation. 'Would' serves the analogous function for past habits ('When he was young, he would walk for hours').

   Comportamento habitual ou característico (no presente)

   • He will often work late into the night when a project deadline approaches.
   • Children will ask endless questions when they're curious about something.
   • This old printer will sometimes jam if you use thick paper.
   • People will always find reasons to complain, no matter how good things are.
   • The cat won't eat anything except premium brand food — she's very particular.

4. Logical Deduction or High-Certainty InferenceB2formal

   Used to express a conclusion that the speaker considers virtually certain or logically necessary based on available evidence, general knowledge, or reasoning. This epistemic use of 'will' indicates strong probability or near-certainty about present or future states. Common in analytical, diagnostic, or explanatory contexts where the speaker infers a likely truth. Often appears with adverbs like 'probably', 'likely', or 'surely' to modulate confidence. Differs from 'must' (which emphasizes the reasoning process) by focusing on the predicted outcome itself. The negative form 'won't' expresses confident expectation of non-occurrence.

   Dedução lógica ou inferência de alta certeza

   • That will be the delivery driver at the door; I ordered groceries an hour ago.
   • If you've studied consistently, you will pass the exam without difficulty.
   • She will probably be in her office this time of day — she rarely leaves for lunch.
   • This approach will almost certainly yield better results than the previous method.
   • You won't find a more reliable supplier in this region; they're the industry leader.

5. Polite Requests, Instructions, or Formal DirectivesB2formal

   Employed in interrogative or imperative-like constructions to formulate courteous requests, formal instructions, or institutional directives. While less common than 'could' or 'would' for polite questions, 'Will you...?' remains acceptable in semi-formal contexts. More frequently, 'will' appears in written instructions, procedural guidelines, or official communications where clarity and authority are prioritized over deference. The structure 'You will...' can convey a firm but polite expectation in professional or educational settings. This usage bridges the gap between pure modality and speech-act pragmatics, demonstrating 'will's functional flexibility.

   Pedidos corteses, instruções ou diretrizes formais

   • Will you please confirm your attendance by replying to this email?
   • All participants will submit their presentations 24 hours before the session.
   • Will you kindly ensure that all equipment is returned to storage after use?
   • Students will complete the assigned reading before attending the seminar.
   • Will you be so kind as to forward this message to the relevant department?

• Substantivo que designa a faculdade de decidir e agir deliberadamente; também pode significar desejo, determinação ou um documento legal que dispõe sobre a distribuição dos bens após a morte.

A noun referring to (1) the mental faculty of conscious choice, determination, and self-control; (2) a person's desire, intention, or preference in a given situation; (3) a formal legal document specifying the distribution of one's assets and property after death.

1. Mental power of conscious choice and determinationB2formal

   The mental faculty or inner strength by which a person consciously directs their thoughts, makes decisions, and controls their actions; a firm, resolute desire to achieve a particular goal despite obstacles, difficulties, or opposition. This sense emphasizes self-discipline, perseverance, and the capacity for deliberate intention.

   Vontade, determinação, força de vontade

   • She showed great strength of will by continuing her studies despite serious illness.
   • His iron will helped him overcome every obstacle in his career.
   • After the accident, he gradually regained the will to live.
   • The negotiation became a battle of wills between the two leaders.
   • It takes an act of will to get up early and exercise every day.

   Sinônimosdeterminationdrivegritintentionperseverancepurposeresolutionresolveself-controlself-disciplinetenacityvolitionwillpower

2. A person's desire, intention, or preferenceC1formal

   What a person wants to happen in a particular situation; a personal wish, preference, or deliberate intention. Often used in fixed phrases such as 'against someone's will', 'of one's own free will', or 'at will' to indicate whether an action aligns with or opposes a person's wishes or is done according to one's discretion.

   Vontade, desejo, intenção

   • The government acted against the will of the people.
   • She joined the expedition of her own free will.
   • He always tries to impose his will on his colleagues.
   • It is not my will to cause anyone harm.
   • They governed according to the collective will of the community.

   Sinônimoschoicedesirediscretionfancyinclinationintentionmindpleasurepreferencevolitionwish

3. Legal document for posthumous asset distributionC2formallegal

   A formal, legally executed document in which a person (the testator) specifies how their money, property, and other assets should be distributed after their death. Also known as a 'last will and testament'. To be valid, it typically must be signed by the testator, witnessed by independent parties, and comply with jurisdictional legal requirements.

   Testamento

   • She left her entire estate to charity in her will.
   • He updated his will after the birth of his granddaughter.
   • The family contested the will in probate court.
   • You should review your will every few years to ensure it reflects your current wishes.
   • The lawyer helped her draft a clear and legally sound will.

   Sinônimostestament

• Verbo que expressa desejo, intenção, determinação, ação mental sobre algo ou deixa de bens em testamento.

A regular English verb meaning to exert one's willpower to cause something to happen, to intend or decree something by choice or authority, or to legally bequeath property or assets to someone through a testament. This lexical verb is distinct from the modal auxiliary 'will' used for forming future tenses.

1. To use willpower to make something happenB2formal

   To use the power of your mind or willpower to make something happen or to influence an outcome through mental effort rather than physical action.

   Forçar com a força de vontade

   • He willed himself not to panic during the emergency.
   • She willed her eyes to stay open despite her exhaustion.
   • As a child, he believed he could fly if he willed it strongly enough.
   • The athlete willed his body to push through the pain barrier.
   • They willed the project to succeed through sheer determination.

   Sinônimoscompelforcemake

2. To intend, decree, or ordain by choice or authorityC1formalpolitical

   To intend, purpose, decree, or ordain something to happen; to determine by an act of choice, personal authority, or divine power.

   Determinar, decretar, ordenar

   • They believed that God had willed their victory in battle.
   • Providence wills it that we meet at this crucial moment.
   • The king willed that the prisoner be released immediately.
   • She willed that her wishes be respected after her death.
   • If fate wills it, we shall meet again someday.

   Sinônimoschoosecommanddecidedecreedeterminedirectintendordainpurposeresolve

3. To bequeath property through a legal willB2formallegal

   To formally give your property, money, or possessions to somebody after your death by means of a legal document called a will or testament.

   Deixar em testamento

   • He willed his entire estate to his youngest daughter.
   • She willed all her books to the local library.
   • The philanthropist willed millions of dollars to various charities.
   • In his will, he willed that his property be divided equally among his children.
   • They were surprised to learn that she had willed them her valuable art collection.

   Sinônimosbequeathdevisehand downleavelegate

4. To wish, desire, or choose (archaic or literary)C2formal

   To wish, desire, prefer, or choose something; to exercise one's faculty of volition in making a decision. This usage is somewhat archaic or literary in modern English.

   Desejar, escolher, querer

   • Wander where you will, you cannot escape your destiny.
   • Do as you will, but remember the consequences.
   • He willed that his friends find happiness and prosperity.
   • She would travel the world if she so willed it.
   • Others may debate, but ultimately the leader wills the final decision.

   Sinônimoschoosedecidedesireelectoptpreferresolvewantwish