Shalln’t or Shan’t – Which Is Correct?

Are you trying to contract “shall not” but don’t know the best way to do it? It seems that both “shalln’t” and “shan’t” work, but it would help to know more about them.

This article will explain which is the correct form.

Shalln’t or Shan’t – Which Is Correct?

“Shan’t” is the correct contraction of “shall not.” You should not pronounce the “l” sounds in “shall” when shortening the word. For instance, “you shan’t pass!” “Shalln’t” is an archaic term that you should avoid using as it’s grammatically incorrect today.

These examples will show you more about the spellings:

• Correct: You shan’t get away with this. I have a few contacts that will be so keen to get you.
• Incorrect: So, she shalln’t be allowed to play, right? We have got to stop her.

Keep reading to learn more about “shalln’t” and “shan’t” as contractions. We’ve explained more about them and how you can use them.

Shan’t

“Shan’t” is the correct way to contract “shall not.” When contracting the phrase, you should remove the “l” letters and pronounce it with a longer “a” sound.

The definition of “shan’t,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “short form of shall not.”

However, “shall not” is not common in modern English. People see “shall” as too posh for most writers and speakers. Therefore, it’s left out of most people’s vocabulary.

Nevertheless, it’s still grammatical and correct. It’s quite formal, too, so people tend to use it more in professional situations.

Here are some examples showing you how to use it:

• You shan’t get away with this again, Julien. I’m going to bring you down for this.
• She shan’t hear the last of it. Though, we aren’t sure how to contact her.

Shalln’t

“Shalln’t” is an archaic contraction of “shall not.” It’s never used today, meaning you should avoid using it yourself.

It is not a word recognized by any official dictionaries. While some natives will understand what you’re trying to say, you should avoid using it to show you understand that it’s not correct.

Instead of “shalln’t,” you might be better off with “shouldn’t.” It’s a more effective contraction, and many people prefer using it.

So, here are some examples demonstrating the different forms:

• Correct: You shouldn’t be doing this. It’s not going to work well.
• Incorrect: I shalln’t say another word since I’m afraid of what might happen.

Conclusion

You should only use “shan’t.” It’s the correct contraction for “shall not,” making it the only useful term here.

“Shalln’t” was once correct, but it is archaic today. Therefore, it has no purpose in modern English.