What Part of Speech Is the Word “Do”?
- (To) do is an irregular verb that can function as a main or auxiliary verb. Its forms are do, did, done, doing, and does.
Do Away With Confusion Surrounding This Verb
To do is an irregular verb. It has five forms and can function as a main verb or auxiliary verb. Do keep reading if you’d like to learn more about this versatile verb.
You can also try LanguageTool's Grammar Checker to make sure you're using verbs like do correctly in your writing.
What Are the Forms of “(To) Do”?
All verbs in the English language (except to be) have five forms.
The forms of to do are do (base), does (third-person singular), did (past tense), done (past participle), and doing (present participle).
“To Do” as a Main Verb
Do as a main verb is extremely versatile and has many meanings. It can be used when achieving something, taking part in an action, creating something, cleaning or making something tidy, and in many more ways. Sometimes do replaces a more specific verb in a sentence.
She did 50 laps in record time.
Is there something I can do to help?
Lawrence has done all the interior design in the new houses.
Kelly always does her makeup before going out.
He has been doing poorly this semester.
When used as a main verb, do can accompany modal verbs.
I could do that.
I would do that.
I must do that.
“To Do” as an Auxiliary Verb
To do is one of the three auxiliary verbs, along with to be and to have (not including modal auxiliaries).
To do can:
1. Form a negative.
To create a negative using do, simply add not— do not (don’t), did not (didn’t), and does not (doesn’t).
I don’t recommend that.
She did not see that coming.
Ryan doesn’t want to leave.
Don’t yell, please.
2. Create a question form.
Do, does, and did are used to create questions.
Do you like to exercise?
Does the baby cry that often?
Did you enjoy your trip?
3. Add emphasis.
Similarly, do, does, and did can add emphasis.
I do like to exercise.
Yes, the baby does cry often.
I did enjoy the trip.
When used as an auxiliary verb, (to) do does not accompany modal verbs.
Please Note
- Do can function as a main verb and auxiliary verb within the same negative or interrogative sentence.
- ○ Did Liam do it?
- ○ Liam didn’t do it.
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