Do for Emphasis
Learn how to use the verb do for emphasis in English.
Can you answer these grammar questions correctly?
Do / Does / Did for Emphasis
When we want to emphasize a statement, we can use do, does, and did with extra stress to add meaning.
For negative sentences, we also add extra stress to don't, doesn't, and didn't for emphasis.
Point 1: In present simple sentences, you can use do to show emphasis.
- Do you have a car?
- ✅ I do have a car.
- ❌ I don't have a car.
- Do they serve bagels?
- ✅ They do serve bagels.
- ❌ They don't serve bagels.
Point 2: If the subject is third person singular, use does to show emphasis.
- Does he work here?
- ✅ He does work here.
- ❌ He doesn't work here.
- Does it cost a lot to live there?
- ✅ It does cost a lot.
- ❌ It doesn't cost a lot.
Point 3: If the action happened in the past, use did to show emphasis.
- Did he come to work today?
- ✅ He did come to work today.
- ❌ He didn't come to work today.
- Did they find an apartment?
- ✅ They did find an apartment.
- ❌ They didn't find one.
Point 4: We can use do/does/did with though to show contrast between two ideas.
- I hate math. I do like science though.
- He doesn't have much money. He does have a nice house though.
- I got sick on vacation. We did have a good time though.
