4.4.2. Will and shall with the progressive form representing a polite expression The progressive form of "will" and "shall" expresses the event as a matter of course which is explained in the previous subsection. The occurrence does not depend on the speaker's intention. It means the intention of "will" or "shall" is weakened. See the following examples. (34) a. I'll go out soon. b. I'll wait for you at the bus stop tomorrow. The two have the intention, especially (34b) might have it strongly as the promise. See the following examples which are changed into the progressive form. (35) a. I'll be going out soon. b. I'll be waiting for you at the bus stop tomorrow. The intention is weakened and the two mean something makes them do it, that is, mere plans. Thus, it is used for the polite expression. See the following discourse. (36) A: Can I talk to you for a minute? B: I'll go out soon. The answer B naturally has the intention and can refuse strongly. See the following examples. (37) A: Can I talk to you for a minute? B: I'll be going out soon. The answer B is changed into the progressive form. It can decline politely, since s/he has to do something, that is, if she has a time, she would spare the time.

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