Do and Does – Present and Past review

Both do and does are present tense forms of the verb do. Which is the correct form to use depends on the subject of your sentence. We use do or does as question words when we want to ask yes/no questions. 

Present Tense:

1. “Do” is used with plural subjects and the pronouns “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they.” It is also used for general questions and negative statements.

Examples:

  • I do my homework every day.
  • Do you like ice cream?
  • We usually do our grocery shopping on Sundays.
  • They do their best in every competition.
  • She does not eat meat.

2. “Does” is used with the singular subject pronouns “he,” “she,” “it,” and singular nouns. It is also used for general questions and negative statements.

Examples:

  • He does his chores before going out to play.
  • Does she know how to swim?
  • The cat does not like water.
  • It does not rain much in this desert region.

In the past tense, we use “did” as the auxiliary verb for both singular and plural subjects, as well as for all pronouns. It’s used to form questions and negative statements.

Examples:

  • I did my homework yesterday.
  • Did you enjoy the movie?
  • She did a great job on the project.
  • We did not go to the party.

Present Tense:

  • I do (for plural subjects and “I,” “you,” “we,” “they”)
  • She does (for singular subjects like “he,” “she,” “it”)

Past Tense:

  • We did (for both singular and plural subjects, all pronouns)