Don't as a main verb?

Question

Hi Everyone,My guess is that using the verb - do - in the negative (don't/doesn't) can only be an auxiliary. Am I right here?I've tried to come up with some examples where 'don't, or doesn't' can behave like a main verb, but I'm having trouble.So, I'm assuming that in the negative, it can only function as an auxiliary. Thanks heaps!CC

Dave_anon · Accepted Answer

Hi

I think you are right. I've tried examples too, but none of them really work ...

- A coffee and a croissant does for me at breakfast time

- It doesn't for me. I like a full breakfast

But, in truth, that last sentence is trading on: it doesn't do for me

Dave

Anonymous · Answer

What about this:

A: 'Have you done it?'

B: 'I didn't.'

In my opinion, B's reply, "I didn't", has the lexical "do" in it.

Fivejedjon · Answer

No, It's I didn't (do it).

Cup cake · Answer

Thanks Anon.

I can see that 'A' is correct; not sure about 'B' though.

Cup cake · Answer

I'm creating a simple present resource sheet for a private student of mine, and am wondering whether to include the verb - do - in the sheet.

I think 'do' requires a seperate sheet.

Thanks everyone for helping me get clarity.

Fivejedjon · Answer

A separate sheet could give the impression that lexical DO is a problem. It's actualy just like any other lexical verb,

I ask a question - I don't ask a question.
Emma asks a question - Emma doesn't ask a question

We do our homework - We don't do our homework
Luke does his homework - Luke doesn't do his homework

Cup cake · Answer

Hmmm, that's a good point.

OK...I'll include it in my resource sheet. Thanks fivejedjon for the tip.

Don't as a main verb?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions