Question

Hello. What is the difference between these 2 sentences.
1. People who do know me think I'm quiet.
2. People who know me think I'm quiet.

Why in a first sentence we use ''do'' if it is an affirmative sentence.

Teechr · Accepted Answer

AnonymousWhy do we use "do" in the first sentence ~~we use do~~ if it is an affirmative sentence?

It is used for emphasis.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymousdifference

Emphatic do is typically used to deny a negative claim. It makes a contrast between "don't" and "do" which you can't get without including "do".

— People who don't know you think you're quiet.
— No! People who do know me think I'm quiet.

Similarly,

— The mailman doesn't come on Saturdays anymore.
— Not true! He does come on Saturdays.

— You don't like the fish tacos I made for you.
— Yes, I do. I do like them.

That's why emphatic do seldom occurs without a previous negative claim with which it can make a contrast.

CJ

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