Skip to main content

do: introduction

Do has three main uses.

Auxiliary verb​

The auxiliary do is used to form the questions and negatives of other verbs, as well as emphatic and shortened forms. For details, (see here).

  • Did you remember to buy milk?
  • This doesn’t taste very nice.
  • I do like your earrings.
  • ‘Jack eats too much.’ ‘He certainly does.’

General-purpose verb​

Do is also an ordinary (non-auxiliary) verb. It can refer to almost any kind of activity, and is used when it is not necessary or not possible to be more precise. For details, and the difference between do and make, (see here).

  • What are you doing?
  • Don’t just stand there. Do something.
  • I’ve finished the phone calls, and I’ll do the letters tomorrow.

Substitute verb​

In British English, do can be used alone as a substitute for a main verb after an auxiliary. For details, (see here).

  • ‘Do you think Jake will come?’ ‘He might do.’ (AmE He might.)

Do so/it/that can be used as a substitute expression when we want to avoid repeating another verb and what follows. For details, (see here).

  • I need to take a rest, and I shall do so as soon as I can find time.
  • He told me to open the door. I did it as quietly as I could.

Combined forms​

Auxiliary do and non-auxiliary do can occur together.

  • Do you do much gardening?
  • How do you do?
  • The company didn’t do very well last year.