Distinguishing Between Do & Does

Do vs Does

Both “do” and “does” are present forms of the verb “to do.” However, there is a difference in their usage. To understand this difference, one must first grasp the basic concept. To clear the confusion in using “do” and “does,” one must pay good attention to the differences between them. It is important to know that both words are used as verbs. The verb “do” is used in the first and second person, while the verb “does” is used in the third person singular only. This is the main difference between the two words.

Key Takeaways

• Do is used in the first and second person in the present tense as well as with plural nouns.
• Does is used with only the third person singular nouns in the present tense.
• Sometimes the verb do is added to another verb to emphasize the action.

What does Do mean?

Do means to perform an action. The word “do” is used in the first and second person in the present tense, as well as with plural nouns. Observe the following sentences:

• I do it every day.
• We do it for the sake of our people.

In both sentences, you can find that the word “do” is used in the case of the first person in the present tense. Look at the sentences below:

• You do it today itself.
• You do it for the sake of your child.

In both sentences, you can find that the word “do” is used in the case of the second person. Observe the following sentences as well:

• They do the laundry every morning.
• The policemen do their duty to their country.

In the first sentence, “they” is the subject, which is the plural of the third person. In the second sentence, “policemen,” a plural noun, is the subject. Therefore, you can understand that in the present tense, “do” is also used with any plural noun or pronoun.

Sometimes the verb “do” is added to another verb just to put emphasis on the action. Observe the sentences below:

• I do get up early in the morning.
• We do prepare different kinds of food.

In both sentences, the word “do” is used to emphasize an action. In the first sentence, the verb “do” is used to emphasize the action of getting up. In the second sentence, the verb “do” is used to emphasize the action of preparing.

What does Does mean?

“Does” also means to perform an action. The word “does” is used only with third-person singular nouns in the present tense. Observe the following sentences:

• He does it daily.
• She does it for him.

In both sentences, the word “does” is used in the case of the third person only. Since the third person has three kinds of usages in “he,” “she,” and “it,” all three have the same verbal ending, namely “does.” This is an important observation to make regarding the usage of the verb “does.”

What is the difference between Do and Does?

• The word “do” is used in the first and second person in the present tense, as well as with plural nouns.
• The word “does” is used only with third-person singular nouns in the present tense.
• Sometimes the verb “do” is added to another verb to emphasize the action.