Shall I~ ? = Should I~? or Do you want me to~? I've read the article that is written in Japanese. The airticle said recently English native speakers tend not to use "shall I ~?" because the way of say

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Tomomi

Shall I~ ? = Should I~? or Do you want me to~? I've read the article that is written in Japanese. The airticle said recently English native speakers tend not to use "shall I ~?" because the way of saying is getting old and they like to use "Should I~?" or "Do you want me to~?" instead. Is it true? I would be happy if you could explain the difference between them, if any. Thanks in advance!

May 24, 2015 12:44 PM

Answers · 5

"Shall I" is common, in my experience, in Britain. It's used for a polite offer and means the same as "Do you want me to". Here are some natural situations: Shall I meet you at 8pm Shall I open the present for you? Shall I go first? Shall I be mother? (funny expression for when you offer to pour the tea / coffee, or serve food to others during meals) Shall I do the honours? "Should I" = "Is it a good idea for me to..." e.g. Should I climb Mount Fuji in December or not? Should I speak to you later (if you are busy now)?

May 24, 2015