Ask Difference

Will vs. Will Be — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on October 13, 2023
"Will" expresses a future intention or prediction, while "Will Be" specifically denotes a future state of being or condition.
Will vs. Will Be — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Will and Will Be

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Key Differences

"Will" is a modal auxiliary verb used in the English language to indicate a future action or occurrence. "Will Be," on the other hand, is a combination of "Will" and the verb "Be" and points to a future state or condition of someone or something.
When one uses "Will," it often conveys intention, prediction, or a promise. "Will Be," in contrast, is more precise in denoting a future status or condition, often paired with an adjective or a noun to describe that future state.
"Will" can stand alone with a variety of verbs to express myriad future actions. "Will Be" requires additional context, usually in the form of adjectives or nouns, to give a clear picture of the future scenario it's painting.
Both "Will" and "Will Be" are integral parts of the English future tense structure. While "Will" can partner with numerous verbs to make future tense sentences, "Will Be" specifically works with the continuous form, indicating ongoing actions in the future.
The usage of "Will" or "Will Be" in a sentence changes the structure and meaning. For instance, "I will cook" denotes a future action, whereas "I will be a chef" highlights a future identity or profession.
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Comparison Chart

Function

Indicates future action or occurrence.
Denotes a future state or condition.

Combination with Verbs

Pairs with various verbs.
Usually followed by adjectives or nouns.

Form

Modal auxiliary verb.
Combination of "Will" and verb "Be."

Usage in Tenses

Used in simple future tense.
Used in future continuous or future passive voice.

Example

"I will travel."
"I will be traveling."

Compare with Definitions

Will

"Will" can express determination or intent.
She will finish the project despite the challenges.

Will Be

"Will Be" can denote future roles or identities.
He will be the next CEO of the company.

Will

"Will" suggests a spontaneous decision.
I think I will have the salad for lunch.

Will Be

"Will Be" indicates a future state or condition.
The event will be held next week.

Will

The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action
Championed freedom of will against a doctrine of predetermination.

Will Be

"Will Be" requires an adjective, noun, or present participle to complete its meaning.
The weather will be nice tomorrow.

Will

Diligent purposefulness; determination
An athlete with the will to win.

Will Be

"Will Be" can suggest an ongoing future action.
She will be working at the new branch next month.

Will

Self-control; self-discipline
Lacked the will to overcome the addiction.

Will Be

"Will Be" is used to form the future passive voice.
The cake will be baked by the chef.

Will

A desire, purpose, or determination, especially of one in authority
It is the sovereign's will that the prisoner be spared.

Will

Deliberate intention or wish
Let it be known that I took this course of action against my will.

Will

Free discretion; inclination or pleasure
Wandered about, guided only by will.

Will

Bearing or attitude toward others; disposition
Full of good will.

Will

A legal declaration of how a person wishes their personal possessions to be disposed of after death.

Will

A legally executed document containing this declaration.

Will

To decide on or intend
He can finish the race if he wills it.

Will

To yearn for; desire
“She makes you will your own destruction” (George Bernard Shaw).

Will

To decree, dictate, or order
Believed that the outcome was willed by the gods.

Will

To induce or try to induce by sheer force of will
We willed the sun to come out.

Will

To grant in a legal will; bequeath
Willed his fortune to charity.

Will

To order to direct in a legal will
She willed that her money be given to charity.

Will

To exercise the will.

Will

To make a choice; choose
Do as you will.

Will

To wish; desire
Do what you will. Sit here if you will. See Usage Note at shall.

Will

(auxiliary) Used to express the future tense, sometimes with some implication of volition when used in the first person. Compare shall.
One of our salesmen will visit you tomorrow.
I will pass this exam.

Will

(auxiliary) To be able to, to have the capacity to.
Unfortunately, only one of these gloves will actually fit over my hand.

Will

(auxiliary) Expressing a present tense with some conditional or subjective weakening: "will turn out to", "must by inference".
He will be home by now. He always gets home before 6 o'clock.
I can't find my umbrella. I will have forgotten it home this morning.

Will

(auxiliary) To habitually do (a given action).
Boys will be boys.

Will

(auxiliary) To choose or agree to (do something); used to express intention but without any temporal connotations (+ bare infinitive), often in questions and negation.
Will you marry me?
I’ve told him three times, but he won’t take his medicine.

Will

To wish, desire (something).
Do what you will.

Will

To wish or desire (that something happen); to intend (that).

Will

(archaic) Implying will go.

Will

To instruct (that something be done) in one's will.

Will

(transitive) To bequeath (something) to someone in one's will (legal document).
He willed his stamp collection to the local museum.

Will

(transitive) To exert one's force of will (intention) in order to compel, or attempt to compel, something to happen or someone to do something.
All the fans were willing their team to win the game.

Will

One's independent faculty of choice; the ability to be able to exercise one's choice or intention.
Of course, man's will is often regulated by his reason.

Will

The act of choosing to do something; a person’s conscious intent or volition.
Most creatures have a will to live.

Will

One's intention or decision; someone's orders or commands.
Eventually I submitted to my parents' will.

Will

Firmity of purpose, fixity of intent

Will

(law) A formal declaration of one's intent concerning the disposal of one's property and holdings after death; the legal document stating such wishes.

Will

(archaic) That which is desired; one's wish.

Will

(archaic) Desire, longing. (Now generally merged with later senses.)
He felt a great will to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Will

The power of choosing; the faculty or endowment of the soul by which it is capable of choosing; the faculty or power of the mind by which we decide to do or not to do; the power or faculty of preferring or selecting one of two or more objects.
It is necessary to form a distinct notion of what is meant by the word "volition" in order to understand the import of the word will, for this last word expresses the power of mind of which "volition" is the act.
Will is an ambiguous word, being sometimes put for the faculty of willing; sometimes for the act of that faculty, besides [having] other meanings. But "volition" always signifies the act of willing, and nothing else.
Appetite is the will's solicitor, and the will is appetite's controller; what we covet according to the one, by the other we often reject.
The will is plainly that by which the mind chooses anything.

Will

The choice which is made; a determination or preference which results from the act or exercise of the power of choice; a volition.
The word "will," however, is not always used in this its proper acceptation, but is frequently substituted for "volition", as when I say that my hand mover in obedience to my will.

Will

The choice or determination of one who has authority; a decree; a command; discretionary pleasure.
Thy will be done.
Our prayers should be according to the will of God.

Will

Strong wish or inclination; desire; purpose.
My poverty, but not my will, consents; . . . Put this in any liquid thing you will,And drink it off.

Will

That which is strongly wished or desired.
What's your will, good friar?
The mariner hath his will.

Will

Arbitrary disposal; power to control, dispose, or determine.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies.

Will

The legal declaration of a person's mind as to the manner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after his death; the written instrument, legally executed, by which a man makes disposition of his estate, to take effect after his death; testament; devise. See the Note under Testament, 1.

Will

To wish; to desire; to incline to have.
A wife as of herself no thing ne sholde [should]Wille in effect, but as her husband wolde [would].
Caleb said unto her, What will thou ?
They would none of my counsel.

Will

As an auxiliary, will is used to denote futurity dependent on the verb. Thus, in first person, "I will" denotes willingness, consent, promise; and when "will" is emphasized, it denotes determination or fixed purpose; as, I will go if you wish; I will go at all hazards. In the second and third persons, the idea of distinct volition, wish, or purpose is evanescent, and simple certainty is appropriately expressed; as, "You will go," or "He will go," describes a future event as a fact only. To emphasize will denotes (according to the tone or context) certain futurity or fixed determination.
I am able to devote as much time and attention to other subjects as I will [shall] be under the necessity of doing next winter.
A countryman, telling us what he had seen, remarked that if the conflagration went on, as it was doing, we would [should] have, as our next season's employment, the Old Town of Edinburgh to rebuild.
I feel assured that I will [shall] not have the misfortune to find conflicting views held by one so enlightened as your excellency.

Will

To be willing; to be inclined or disposed; to be pleased; to wish; to desire.
And behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus . . . touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.

Will

To form a distinct volition of; to determine by an act of choice; to ordain; to decree.
By all law and reason, that which the Parliament will not, is no more established in this kingdom.
Two things he [God] willeth, that we should be good, and that we should be happy.

Will

To enjoin or command, as that which is determined by an act of volition; to direct; to order.
They willed me say so, madam.
Send for music,And will the cooks to use their best of cunningTo please the palate.
As you go, will the lord mayor . . . To attend our further pleasure presently.

Will

To give or direct the disposal of by testament; to bequeath; to devise; as, to will one's estate to a child; also, to order or direct by testament; as, he willed that his nephew should have his watch.

Will

To exercise an act of volition; to choose; to decide; to determine; to decree.
At Winchester he lies, so himself willed.
He that shall turn his thoughts inward upon what passes in his own mind when he wills.
I contend for liberty as it signifies a power in man to do as he wills or pleases.

Will

The capability of conscious choice and decision and intention;
The exercise of their volition we construe as revolt

Will

A fixed and persistent intent or purpose;
Where there's a will there's a way

Will

A legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die

Will

Decree or ordain;
God wills our existence

Will

Have in mind;
I will take the exam tomorrow

Will

Determine by choice;
This action was willed and intended

Will

Leave or give by will after one's death;
My aunt bequeathed me all her jewelry
My grandfather left me his entire estate

Will

"Will" is a modal verb indicating future action.
I will call you tomorrow.

Will

"Will" is used to make promises or offers.
I will help you with your assignment.

Will

"Will" can be used to make predictions about the future.
It will rain later today.

Common Curiosities

What is "Will" used for in a sentence?

"Will" is used to indicate a future action, intention, or prediction.

Can "Will" be used to express a sudden decision?

Yes, "Will" can suggest a spontaneous choice, like "I will go to the store."

How does "Will" function in questions?

"Will" can be used to form future interrogative sentences, e.g., "Will you come?"

How does "Will Be" differ from "Will"?

"Will Be" denotes a future state or condition, while "Will" signifies a future action or occurrence.

Can "Will" stand alone in a sentence?

"Will" usually precedes another verb to indicate future tense, e.g., "I will eat."

In what scenarios is "Will Be" commonly used?

"Will Be" is frequently used to describe future events, conditions, or ongoing actions.

Is "Will Be" used in the continuous form?

Yes, "Will Be" is used to indicate future continuous actions, like "I will be running."

What follows "Will Be" in a sentence?

"Will Be" is often followed by adjectives, nouns, or present participles.

Can "Will" be used to make a promise?

Yes, "Will" is often used to express promises, e.g., "I will return."

Is "Will Be" passive?

"Will Be" can be used to form the future passive voice, as in "The letter will be sent."

How is "Will Be" used with roles or titles?

"Will Be" can indicate future roles, like "She will be the manager."

Are both "Will" and "Will Be" part of future tense structures?

Yes, both "Will" and "Will Be" are integral to various future tense constructions in English.

How do we negate "Will"?

"Will" can be negated using "not" as in "will not" or "won't."

Can "Will Be" indicate future locations?

Yes, "Will Be" can show where something or someone will be in the future, like "The book will be on the table."

Can "Will" express possibility?

Yes, "Will" can sometimes suggest possibility, such as "It will probably rain."

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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