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The Golden Rule (Do / Does)
For almost every verb in English (run, eat, sleep, work), we need a "helper" to ask a question. We use Do or Does.
The Formula
Do/Does
+
Subject
+
Verb
?
- Do I / you / we / they work?
- Does he / she / it work?
Crucial Rule!
When you use Does, the main verb loses the 's'. The 's' jumps to the helper!
Does he works?
Does he work?
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The Exception: Verb "To Be"
The verb To Be (am, is, are) is special. It does NOT use "Do" or "Does". Instead, we simply swap the subject and the verb.
The Formula
Am/Is/Are
+
Subject
...?
- Am I late?
- Is he / she / it happy?
- Are you / we / they students?
Inversion Technique
You
are
happy.
Are
you
happy?
Do you be happy?
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Wh- Questions (QUASM)
Use the QUASM formula to remember the word order for information questions.
| QUQuestion Word | AAuxiliary | SSubject | MMain Verb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where | do | you | live? |
| What | does | she | eat? |
| When | does | the train | leave? |
| Why | do | they | study? |
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Advanced: Subject Questions
The "Who" Trap
When Who or What is the Subject (the person doing the action), we do NOT use do/does. We keep the verb in the affirmative form.
Subject Question
Who lives here?
(Someone lives here)
Not: Who does live here?
Object Question
Who do you live with?
(You live with someone)
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Short Answers
In English, it is polite to use the "helper" verb in your answer. Do not repeat the main verb.
Do you like coffee?
Yes, I do.
No, I don't.
Yes, I like. / No, I don't like.
Does she work here?
Yes, she does.
No, she doesn't.
Mixed Practice
Master the Rules
Correct!
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