Lesson 27: Shall we dance? Feb 10th, 2006

Preview: On this show we talked about metaphors and lyrics from a Bryan Adam’s song and tried to explain about some of the differences between “shall” and “will”, and “would” and “should”

Metaphors
metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it has the qualities of something else. [bad word] things without using the words “as” or “like” (which are similes).

Example: “Life is an open road to me”. This [bad word] from the Bryan Adam’s song “Open Road”, and it means that you feel free and have no restraints. No “traffic” holds you up because the road is clear.

Grammar Question
What are some of the subtle differences between “shall” and “will”, and “would” and “should”?
1) It is important to remember that “Will” can be used instead of “shall” in most cases.
2) “Shall” and not “will” is used in suggestions, offers, requests for [bad word]  and requests for advice:

Example:
Shall I carry your luggage?
Shall we eat out?
What shall I do?

3) In reported speech, information-questions are reported with “will” or “would” in the 3rd person and offers and requests for [bad word] are usually reported with “should” in either present or past sentences.

Example:
She wants to know if she will get to the station on time.
She asked if she would be in Tokyo next week.
She asked if she should carry my luggage

Speaking strategies
Reacting to good news:
“Congratulations”, “that’s great/wonderful/fantastic!” etc, “I’m happy to hear that”, “cool”.
Reacting to bad news:
“Oh no, that’s terrible”, “that’s too bad”, “I’m sorry to hear that”, “bummer”.

Song:
Artist: Justin Peterson
Song: And it shall be