Future: Will & Shall Practice Test — Advanced

All 45 questions with answers

Pick an answer for each question to see if you are right, with the explanation. Submit when you are done; you can submit before answering them all.

1. Q1Whenever the printer malfunctions, it ___ make a high-pitched, persistent beeping sound until the tray is cleared.

   Awill Bis Cshall Dis going to

   Answer: A. will

   The modal 'will' is used here to describe characteristic behavior or a predictable habitual action of an inanimate object. This is sometimes called a 'natural tendency.' Unlike 'is going to,' which usually implies a prediction based on specific current evidence, 'will' denotes an inherent, recurring quality. 'Shall' is incorrect here as it is restricted to first-person suggestions ('Shall I?') or formal legal obligations. 'Is' would require a present participle ('beeping') to be grammatically sound.

2. Q2I have been trying to force the rusted bolt loose for an hour, but it ___ budge.

   Awouldn't Bis going to Cwon't Dshall not

   Answer: C. won't

   The negative modal 'won't' (will not) is used to express the 'refusal' of an inanimate object to function. It treats the object as if it has a stubborn will. 'Wouldn't' is the past form and does not align with the present perfect 'have been trying.' 'Shall not' is reserved for formal prohibitions and does not carry the specific meaning of mechanical 'refusal' in this context. 'Is going to' lacks the nuance of resistance or failure to perform.

3. Q3If you leave the solution in the sun, it ___ expand as it reaches its boiling point.

   Ashall Bis Cwould Dwill

   Answer: D. will

   The modal 'will' expresses a scientific certainty or a predictable physical law in a first conditional (real possibility) structure. 'Would' is incorrect because the 'if' clause ('leave') is in the present simple, which requires a real future result rather than a hypothetical one. 'Shall' is inappropriate in this scientific context, as it is generally restricted to formal mandates or first-person questions. 'Is' cannot precede a base verb like 'expand' without a change in aspect.

4. Q4She ___ sit by the window for hours, staring into the distance whenever she is deep in thought.

   Awould Bis Cwill Dshall

   Answer: C. will

   In this context, 'will' expresses a persistent habit or a characteristic behavioral tendency in the present. This use of 'will' suggests that the action is typical of her nature. While 'would' expresses past habits, 'will' is required for current behavior. 'Is' would require 'sitting' (continuous aspect), and 'shall' is not used for describing the personal habits of third parties.

5. Q5The engine ___ start, regardless of how many times the ignition is engaged.

   Awouldn't Bshall not Cisn't going to Dwon't

   Answer: D. won't

   The modal 'won't' expresses the stubborn refusal of an object to perform its expected task. 'Isn't going to' describes a simple prediction about the future, whereas 'won't' captures the sense of resistance or failure despite an attempt. 'Wouldn't' is the past tense form, which contradicts the present-tense 'is engaged.' 'Shall not' would imply a formal or legal prohibition, which does not apply to a mechanical failure.

6. Q6Boys ___ be boys; you cannot expect them to remain perfectly still for the duration of the lecture.

   Aare going to Bwill Cwould Dshall

   Answer: B. will

   This is a fixed idiomatic expression where 'will' describes an inherent, inevitable characteristic or typical behavior. It suggests that such behavior is a fundamental part of their nature. 'Shall,' 'would,' and 'are going to' do not fit the established idiom, which relies on the use of 'will' to express timeless propensity.

7. Q7Every morning, he ___ prepare a pot of coffee and review the market trends before the office opens.

   Awill Bhas Cis Dwould

   Answer: A. will

   The modal 'will' is used to describe typical, repeated routines or predictable habits in the present. 'Would' would indicate a past habit that has since ceased. 'Is' and 'has' are grammatically incorrect before the base verb 'prepare'; they would require a present participle ('is preparing') or a past participle ('has prepared') to form a valid tense.

8. Q8I cannot fathom why this key ___ fit into the lock, despite it being the correct one.

   Awon't Baren't Cisn't Dwouldn't

   Answer: A. won't

   The use of 'won't' here denotes the 'refusal' of the key to perform its function, emphasizing the speaker's frustration and the object's perceived resistance — a figurative use of 'will' for inanimate objects. 'Aren't' is a plural form and does not agree with the singular subject 'this key'. 'Isn't' would require a different complement ('isn't fitting' or an adjective). 'Wouldn't' is past/conditional and does not match the present-tense frame of 'cannot fathom'.

9. Q9Identify the sentence that correctly uses 'will' for habitual behavior:

   AHe will always forget his keys when he is in a rush. BHe will be forgotten his keys when he is in a rush. CHe will have forgotten his keys when he is in a rush. DHe will be forgetting his keys when he is in a rush.

   Answer: A. He will always forget his keys when he is in a rush.

   The construction 'will' + base verb is the standard way to express characteristic habits or tendencies. 'He will always forget' indicates a predictable pattern of behavior. 'He will be forgetting' (future continuous) and 'he will have forgotten' (future perfect) refer to specific future timeframes or states of completion, not generalized habitual behavior. 'Will be forgotten' is a passive construction and is semantically incorrect here.

10. Q10Choose the sentence that correctly expresses an inanimate object's refusal:

    AThe car isn't starting despite the new battery. BThe car doesn't start despite the new battery. CThe car won't start despite the new battery. DThe car wouldn't start despite the new battery.

    Answer: C. The car won't start despite the new battery.

    The modal 'won't' (will not) is the specific idiomatic choice for expressing the 'refusal' of an inanimate object to operate as expected. 'Isn't starting' describes an ongoing event in progress, and 'doesn't start' is a neutral statement of fact. 'Wouldn't' refers to a refusal in the past, making 'won't' the most precise choice for a current problem.

11. Q11Even when the situation appears dire, she ___ always seek a constructive solution.

    Ashall Bwould Cwill Dis

    Answer: C. will

    The modal 'will' indicates a predictable characteristic trait or a behavioral certainty based on someone's nature. It describes what we expect the subject to do because of who she is. 'Would' is used for past habits or hypothetical (second conditional) scenarios. 'Shall' is too formal for personal traits, and 'is' is grammatically incorrect before the base verb 'seek' (it would require 'is seeking').

12. Q12My workstation ___ crash whenever I attempt to render high-resolution graphics.

    Ashall Bwill Cis Dwould

    Answer: B. will

    The modal 'will' is used here to denote a predictable, repeated occurrence or the tendency of a system to behave in a specific way under certain conditions. 'Would' would imply this happened in the past and no longer does. 'Shall' is used for formal mandates or first-person suggestions, and 'is' requires a different verb form like 'crashing'.

13. Q13Identify the sentence that does NOT correctly express habitual behavior using the modal "will":

    AShe will be singing loudly every morning. BHe will often arrive late to meetings. CShe will sing loudly every morning. DThey will always argue over trifles.

    Answer: A. She will be singing loudly every morning.

    'She will be singing' uses the future continuous aspect, which refers to an action in progress at a specific future moment. To express habitual, characteristic behavior in the present, we use 'will' followed by the bare infinitive ('will sing', 'will arrive', 'will argue'). Therefore, 'will be singing' is not the correct structure for a general habit.

14. Q14The mechanism is jammed; it ___ turn to the left or right.

    Awouldn't Bisn't Cwon't Dhasn't

    Answer: C. won't

    The modal 'won't' conveys the 'refusal' of the mechanism to perform its intended movement. 'Wouldn't' is a past form and contradicts the present-tense 'is jammed.' 'Hasn't' would require 'turned' (present perfect), and 'isn't' would require 'turning' (present continuous). 'Won't' is the standard way to personify a mechanical failure.

15. Q15In these sub-zero temperatures, the pipes ___ freeze if they are not properly insulated.

    Aare Bwould Cwill Dhave

    Answer: C. will

    The modal 'will' describes a predictable scientific outcome or a consequence in a first conditional (real future) sequence. 'Would' is reserved for second or third conditionals (hypothetical or counterfactual). 'Have' and 'are' are auxiliary verbs that would require different past or present participle complements (e.g., 'have frozen' or 'are freezing').

16. Q16Should you ___ early, we can finalize the report before the deadline.

    Aarrived Bwould arrive Carrive Dwill arrive

    Answer: C. arrive

    This is a formal conditional construction where 'should' is used to introduce the condition (an alternative to 'if'). When 'should' begins the clause, it is followed by the bare infinitive ('arrive'). 'Will arrive' and 'would arrive' are redundant because 'should' already marks the modality of the clause. This structure is a formal variation of the first conditional.

17. Q17___ you mind if I took a seat here while I wait for the meeting to commence?

    AWill BDo CShall DWould

    Answer: D. Would

    'Would you mind' is a standard polite formula for making requests. The use of 'would' (a past form) creates 'social distance,' making the request softer and more polite. It is often followed by 'if' + past simple ('if I took') to further the hypothetical/distanced effect. 'Will you mind' is possible but less common and less polite; 'Do you mind' would typically be followed by the present simple ('if I take').

18. Q18If it ___ tomorrow, we will relocate the event to the indoor facility.

    Arained Brains Cwill rain Dwould rain

    Answer: B. rains

    In a standard first conditional (real future possibility), the 'if'-clause (the condition) uses the present simple ('rains'), while the main clause uses 'will.' Using 'will' in the 'if'-clause to predict the future is a common learner error. 'Will' only appears in 'if'-clauses when expressing volition (e.g., 'If you will just wait a moment...').

19. Q19___ you be able to assist me with this complex project next week?

    AAre BDo CShall DWould

    Answer: D. Would

    'Would you be able to' is a more polite and tentative version of 'will you be able to.' In formal requests, the past-tense modal 'would' is used to soften the tone. 'Shall' is rarely used with 'you' in modern English except in legal contexts. 'Are' would require 'Are you able to' (without 'be'), and 'Do' cannot precede the base form 'be'.

20. Q20Identify the correct conditional sentence:

    AIf he will call, I will tell him the news. BIf he will call, I tell him the news. CIf he calls, I would tell him the news. DIf he calls, I will tell him the news.

    Answer: D. If he calls, I will tell him the news.

    A standard first conditional requires the present simple in the 'if'-clause to establish the condition and 'will' + base verb in the main clause for the future result. 'If he calls, I will tell' follows this rule. Using 'will' in the 'if'-clause ('if he will call') is generally incorrect for simple predictions. 'If he calls, I would tell' is a mixed conditional and is grammatically inconsistent here.

21. Q21Provided that the client ___ the contract, we will proceed immediately.

    Asigns Bsigned Cwill sign Dwould sign

    Answer: A. signs

    'Provided that' functions like 'if.' In a first conditional (real future) context, the subordinate clause must use the present simple ('signs'), while the main clause uses 'will' for the result. 'Signed' would trigger a second conditional (requiring 'would proceed'), and 'will sign' is redundant inside the conditional clause itself.

22. Q22___ you mind reviewing these documents for me by Friday afternoon?

    AShall BWould CAre DWill

    Answer: B. Would

    'Would you mind' followed by a gerund ('reviewing') is the standard polite formula for a request. 'Will you mind' is grammatically possible but lacks the conventional politeness of 'would.' 'Are' and 'Shall' do not fit this specific idiomatic request structure.

23. Q23If you ___ the button, the emergency alarm will sound immediately.

    Apressed Bpress Cwould press Dwill press

    Answer: B. press

    In a first conditional sentence expressing a factual result or a specific future event, the 'if'-clause requires the present simple ('press'). 'Will press' is incorrect as the future marker is already in the main clause. 'Pressed' would require 'would sound' (second conditional) to maintain consistent time reference.

24. Q24___ you be able to join us for the gala dinner this evening?

    ADo BShall CAre DWould

    Answer: D. Would

    'Would you be able to' is a polite, formal inquiry. While 'will' is acceptable, 'would' provides pragmatic distance, making the question more respectful. 'Are' would be correct only as 'Are you able to' (removing 'be'). 'Do' is incompatible with the base verb 'be' in this structure.

25. Q25Identify the error in the following sentence: 'If it will stop raining, we will go for a walk.'

    A'will stop' should be 'stops' B'If' should be 'When' CNo error D'will go' should be 'go'

    Answer: A. 'will stop' should be 'stops'

    In standard future conditionals, 'will' is not used in the 'if'-clause to describe a future event; the present simple is required. Therefore, 'will stop' should be 'stops.' 'Will' only appears in 'if'-clauses when expressing volition or willingness (e.g., 'If you will help me...'), which does not apply to the weather.

26. Q26If they ___ sufficient capital, they will purchase the property.

    Ahave Bwill have Chad Dwould have

    Answer: A. have

    The first conditional requires the present simple ('have') in the 'if'-clause (the condition ('if' clause)). 'Will have' is incorrect because future time in conditional clauses is traditionally indicated by the present tense. 'Had' and 'would have' are used for second or third conditionals (hypothetical or counterfactual situations).

27. Q27___ you mind explaining the technical procedure again?

    AWould BAre CWill DShall

    Answer: A. Would

    The polite request form 'Would you mind' is the correct choice. 'Would' is a distanced form of 'will' used for politeness. 'Will you mind' is much less common and can sound abrupt. 'Are' and 'Shall' are grammatically incompatible with the structure '...you mind explaining'.

28. Q28If the temperature ___ below zero, the water will freeze.

    Awould drop Bdrops Cdropped Dwill drop

    Answer: B. drops

    This is a zero or first conditional statement expressing a general scientific fact. The condition clause ('if'-clause) uses the present simple ('drops'). 'Will drop' is incorrect because the future modal 'will' is not used in 'if'-clauses to express simple predictions or general conditions.

29. Q29___ you be able to provide the requested data by noon tomorrow?

    ADo BWould CAre DShall

    Answer: B. Would

    'Would you be able to' acts as a softened, polite request. 'Shall' is not used with 'you' in this context (it is typically for 'I' or 'we' in questions). 'Are' would require 'Are you able' (omitting 'be'), and 'Do' is grammatically incorrect before 'be able to'.

30. Q30Identify the correct version of this conditional sentence:

    AIf she arrives on time, we will start the meeting. BIf she will arrive on time, we would start the meeting. CIf she arrives on time, we would start the meeting. DIf she will arrive on time, we will start the meeting.

    Answer: A. If she arrives on time, we will start the meeting.

    The first conditional uses the present simple ('arrives') in the 'if'-clause and 'will' + base verb ('will start') in the main clause. The option 'If she arrives on time, we would start' is an inconsistent mix of first and second conditional forms. The other options incorrectly use 'will' in the condition clause.

31. Q31The Tenant ___ pay the monthly rent on or before the first day of each month.

    Ashall Bis Cwill Dwould

    Answer: A. shall

    In legal documents and contracts, 'shall' is used as a word expressing a mandatory duty or obligation. While 'will' is common in casual speech, 'shall' remains the traditional marker of legal requirement in formal drafting. 'Would' and 'is' do not convey the necessary sense of binding obligation.

32. Q32All participants ___ submit their final reports by the close of business Friday.

    Aare Bwould Cwill Dshall

    Answer: D. shall

    Formal instructions and official regulations often use 'shall' to denote a mandatory requirement. In this register, 'shall' is more authoritative and prescriptive than 'will,' which might be interpreted as a simple prediction. 'Would' is conditional (hypothetical), and 'are' is grammatically incomplete without 'to' ('are to submit').

33. Q33The contractor ___ complete the works in accordance with the specifications.

    Awill Bshall Cwould Dis

    Answer: B. shall

    In contractual contexts, 'shall' establishes a legally binding obligation. Legal writers use 'shall' to distinguish mandatory duties from optional or permissive actions (which often use 'may'). 'Will' describes what is expected to happen, but 'shall' prescribes what MUST happen under the contract.

34. Q34Identify the correct usage of 'shall' in a formal context:

    AThe applicant will provide a copy of their passport. BThe applicant would provide a copy of their passport. CThe applicant shall provide a copy of their passport. DThe applicant is providing a copy of their passport.

    Answer: C. The applicant shall provide a copy of their passport.

    'Shall' is the standard modal for expressing formal or legal obligation in prescriptions, laws, and contracts. While 'will' is common for simple future events, 'shall' is the technical choice for establishing an imperative requirement in high-register administrative texts. 'Would' is hypothetical, and 'is providing' is a descriptive continuous form.

35. Q35The committee ___ meet once a month to review the progress of the project.

    Ais Bwould Cshall Dwill

    Answer: C. shall

    'Shall' is used here to indicate a formal requirement defined in a set of bylaws or a charter. In such documents, 'shall' specifies that the meeting is required by regulation, not merely predicted. 'Will' is less prescriptive, and 'would' is used for hypothetical scenarios.

36. Q36Identify the sentence that correctly uses 'shall' for legal obligation:

    AThe tenant must pay the rent. BThe tenant will pay the rent. CThe tenant is required to pay the rent. DThe tenant shall pay the rent.

    Answer: D. The tenant shall pay the rent.

    While 'must' and 'is required to' also denote obligation, 'shall' is the specific modal used in traditional legal drafting to signify a mandatory duty. In traditional jurisprudence, 'will' is often seen as a statement of future fact rather than a strict legal command. 'Shall' provides the authoritative force necessary for contracts.

37. Q37The vendor ___ ensure that all goods are delivered in perfect condition.

    Ashall Bwill Chas Dwould

    Answer: A. shall

    'Shall' is used here to create a contractual warranty or obligation. It expresses an official duty. 'Will' simply predicts the vendor's behavior, whereas 'shall' codifies that behavior as a legal necessity under the terms of the agreement.

38. Q38Candidates ___ present their identification cards upon entering the examination hall.

    Aare Bshall Cwill Dwould

    Answer: B. shall

    In official rules or regulations, 'shall' defines a mandatory requirement. It is more formal and prescriptive than 'will.' 'Would' is conditional/hypothetical, and 'are' would require 'are to present' to convey a similar sense of obligation.

39. Q39The employee ___ notify the manager immediately in the event of an emergency.

    Awill Bis Cshall Dwould

    Answer: C. shall

    'Shall' is the modal of choice for defining compulsory actions in formal employee handbooks or procedural documents. It indicates that the notification is not a suggestion but a mandatory duty. 'Will' is less formal, and 'would' is conditional.

40. Q40The parties ___ resolve any disputes through arbitration.

    Awill Bare Cshall Dwould

    Answer: C. shall

    In legal agreements, 'shall' creates a binding obligation for both parties to follow a specific course of action. This use of 'shall' ensures the provision is interpreted as a command rather than a mere prediction of what might happen in the future.

41. Q41All invoices ___ be issued within 30 days of the service date.

    Awould Bare Cshall Dwill

    Answer: C. shall

    'Shall' is used here to state a formal requirement or policy. In business and legal documents, 'shall' denotes that the timeline is a mandatory constraint. While 'will' is used in less formal settings, 'shall' is the technical choice for policy statements that impose rules.

42. Q42Identify the sentence that correctly uses 'shall' for legal obligation:

    AThe buyer shall pay the full amount. BThe buyer will be paying the full amount. CThe buyer is paying the full amount. DThe buyer would pay the full amount.

    Answer: A. The buyer shall pay the full amount.

    'The buyer shall pay' is classic legal phrasing for a mandatory obligation. It uses 'shall' to express a duty and impose a requirement. 'Will be paying' is a continuous future prediction, 'is paying' is present continuous, and 'would pay' is conditional.

43. Q43The board ___ review these bylaws annually.

    Ais Bwould Cwill Dshall

    Answer: D. shall

    'Shall' is used in governance documents to indicate a mandatory periodic obligation. It ensures the review is a requirement of the board's function rather than just a future possibility. 'Will' is descriptive (predicting behavior), while 'shall' is prescriptive (commanding behavior).

44. Q44The software ___ be installed by an authorized technician only.

    Awould Bis Cshall Dwill

    Answer: C. shall

    This usage of 'shall' denotes a formal requirement or restriction. It establishes a rule that excludes other possibilities. In technical and legal registers, 'shall' provides an authoritative tone that clearly marks the sentence as a mandatory regulation.

45. Q45The license ___ remain valid for a period of five years.

    Awill Bwould Cis Dshall

    Answer: D. shall

    'Shall' is used here to state a formal legal status or a mandatory duration defined by law or contract. It serves to prescribe the terms of the license. 'Will' is possible in plain English, but it lacks the legislative authority and precision conveyed by 'shall' in formal documentation.