Shall Consist vs. Will Consist

Attribute	Shall Consist	Will Consist
Legal obligation	Implies a mandatory requirement	Implies a future action or outcome
Certainty	Indicates a definite requirement	Indicates a probable outcome
Formality	Often used in legal documents and contracts	Less formal and commonly used in everyday language

Definition

Shall consist and will consist are both phrases used in English grammar to indicate something that is expected or required to happen in the future. However, there is a subtle difference in their usage that can affect the tone and formality of a statement.

Usage

Shall consist is often used in formal or legal contexts to indicate a requirement or obligation. For example, a contract might state that a product shall consist of certain components in order to meet quality standards. On the other hand, will consist is more commonly used in everyday language to simply state what is expected to happen in the future. For instance, a weather forecast might predict that tomorrow's weather will consist of sunshine and clear skies.

Formality

One key difference between shall consist and will consist is the level of formality they convey. Shall consist is considered more formal and authoritative, often used in legal documents, contracts, or official statements. Its use implies a sense of obligation or requirement that must be met. On the other hand, will consist is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversation. It does not carry the same level of formality or authority as shall consist.

Expectation

When using shall consist, there is a stronger sense of expectation or certainty that the stated outcome will occur. This is because shall is often used to indicate a mandatory requirement or obligation. For example, a recipe might state that a cake shall consist of flour, sugar, and eggs in order to turn out correctly. In contrast, will consist implies a more general expectation or prediction of what is likely to happen in the future. It does not carry the same level of certainty as shall consist.

Legal Implications

In legal contexts, the use of shall consist is often preferred over will consist due to its more authoritative and mandatory tone. Legal documents and contracts must be precise and unambiguous in their language to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes. By using shall consist, the writer is clearly stating what is required or expected to happen, leaving no room for interpretation. Will consist, on the other hand, may be seen as less definitive and could potentially lead to confusion or disagreement.

Common Usage

While shall consist is more commonly used in formal or legal contexts, will consist is widely used in everyday language to express expectations or predictions. For example, a teacher might tell their students that the exam will consist of multiple-choice questions and short essays. This use of will consist is clear and straightforward, conveying what is likely to happen without any sense of obligation or requirement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between shall consist and will consist lies in their formality, expectation, and legal implications. Shall consist is more formal and authoritative, often used in legal documents to indicate a mandatory requirement. Will consist, on the other hand, is more casual and commonly used in everyday language to express expectations or predictions. Both phrases have their own unique uses and nuances, and understanding when to use each one can help convey the intended meaning effectively.