does

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an auxiliary verb to form questions or negative statements in the present simple tense. Example: "Does she know the answer to the question?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And so it does.

The New York Times - Arts

It still does.

The New York Times - Arts

What does he stand for?

The Guardian - Opinion

What does?

The New York Times - Magazine

But yes, he does stare at people from time to time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This woman is nothing more than an attention seeker who does not deserve to be a celebrity".

The Guardian

She does not deserve it.

The Guardian - Opinion

It just does".

The New York Times

Does this matter?

The New York Times - Arts

How does he do it?

The New York Times - Books

Nothing else does.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does" for emphasis, ensure it adds genuine impact to the sentence. Overuse can diminish its effect.

Common error

Avoid using "does" with plural subjects. Remember that "does" is used with singular subjects (he, she, it), while "do" is used with plural subjects (they, we, you, I).

Linguistic Context

"Does" serves as an auxiliary verb to form questions, negative statements, and emphatic affirmations in the present simple tense, particularly with third-person singular subjects. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatile use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "does" functions primarily as an auxiliary verb in present simple tense questions, negations, and emphatic affirmations, particularly with third-person singular subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and ubiquitous presence across diverse contexts, predominantly within news and media. To ensure proper usage, remember that it combines with singular subjects and avoid overuse to maintain emphasis. When creating similar content, be mindful of these key points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is it true that

Replaces a question formed with "does" with a declarative statement prompting confirmation.

that is correct

Directly confirms the accuracy of a previous statement, akin to answering affirmatively to a question with "does".

is that correct

Similar to "is it true that", this phrase seeks confirmation, but in a more direct manner.

that's right

An informal version of "that is correct", serving the same purpose of affirmation.

is it the case that

A more formal way of asking if something is true, replacing the need for "does" in a question.

it is the fact that

Introduces a statement as a known truth, similar to using "does" for emphasis.

it is indeed

Emphasizes the truth of a statement, similar to using "does" for emphasis.

it certainly is

Another way to strongly affirm a statement, replacing the emphatic function of "does".

it happens to be

Highlights the unexpected or noteworthy nature of a fact, similar to using "does" for emphasis.

in fact

Emphasizes the truth or surprising nature of a statement, serving a similar function to "does" for emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "does" in a question?

To form a question in the present simple tense with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it), use "does" before the subject and the base form of the verb. For example, "Does he know the answer?" or "Does it work?"

What's the difference between "does" and "do"?

"Does" is used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it), while "do" is used with plural subjects (I, you, we, they). For example, "He does his homework", but "They do their homework".

Can "does" be used for emphasis?

Yes, "does" can be used to emphasize a verb in affirmative sentences. For example, instead of saying "He know", you can say "He "He does know"" to emphasize that he really knows.

What are common mistakes to avoid when using "does"?

A common mistake is using "does" with plural subjects. Remember that "does" is for singular subjects only. Also, avoid using "does" with another auxiliary verb in the same clause (e.g., avoid saying "Does he is...?", instead say "Is he...?".