English uses do two ways: as a helper and as a main verb. This guide covers each form and when to use them.
Do
Use do for questions and negatives in the present when the subject is plural or I/you/we/they. It also appears for emphasis and short answers.
I usually do my homework after dinner.
Does
Use does for questions and negatives in the present when the subject is third person singular (he/she/it). It helps keep sentences clear and consistent.
Did
Use did for all subjects in questions and negatives in the past. It marks time clearly and makes sentences easy to understand.
Done
Done is the past participle of do and appears after have in perfect tenses, after modifiers like already, and in passive structures where relevant.
Expressions with Do
Common phrases use do for emphasis, habits, and more. Learning these expressions helps you sound natural and more fluent.
Summary
Remember: use do/does for present questions and negatives, did for past questions and negatives, and done as the past participle in perfect forms. Practice with your own examples to make these patterns automatic.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025