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In a comic book I’m reading, a wife asks to her husband, who’s working late in his study, “Will you require anything?”

  1. Why does she use “will” instead of “do”?
  2. Is there any difference in a vibe between “require” and “need” in that situation?
jayant
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    It means "in the future", that is, anytime later tonight. Presumably she wants to know if it is all right for her to sleep, not if there is anything he needs now (assuming the antiquated role of a wife being his servant). – Weather Vane Mar 23 '20 at 20:40
  • I got it why she said 'will' now. Thank you! – jayant Mar 23 '20 at 20:52

1 Answers1

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"Will" here implies "now, or going forward". "Require" is more formal in tone. Overall, "Will you require..." marks a master-servant relationship. It's something a butler might ask.

Jim Mack
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  • Yes, the background of the comic book is in late 1800 in England. Thank you for your comment!! – jayant Mar 23 '20 at 20:51