19.1. Forming Simple Questions with 'Do' and 'Does': Understanding the Structure of Questions with 'Do' and 'Does'

In the journey of learning English as a beginner, one of the fundamental skills you will need to acquire is the ability to form questions. Questions are essential for communication, allowing you to seek information, clarify doubts, and engage in meaningful conversations. In English, one of the simplest ways to form questions is by using the auxiliary verbs 'do' and 'does'. Understanding how to use these verbs correctly is crucial for effective communication at the A1 level.

Understanding the Basics

Before we delve into the specifics of forming questions with 'do' and 'does', it's important to understand their role in the English language. 'Do' and 'does' are auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs. They are used to form questions and negative sentences in the present simple tense.

• 'Do' is used with plural subjects and the pronouns I, you, we, and they.
• 'Does' is used with singular third-person subjects, such as he, she, and it.

Both 'do' and 'does' help to form questions by inverting the subject and the verb in a sentence. This inversion is what transforms a statement into a question.

Forming Questions with 'Do'

Let's start by looking at how to form questions with 'do'. When you want to ask a question in the present simple tense using a plural subject or the pronouns I, you, we, or they, you will use 'do'. Here is the structure you need to follow:

Do + Subject + Base Form of the Verb + (Rest of the Sentence)?

Let's see some examples:

• Statement: You like coffee.
• Question: Do you like coffee?

• Statement: They play soccer.
• Question: Do they play soccer?

As you can see, we start the question with 'do', followed by the subject (you, they), then the base form of the main verb (like, play), and finally the rest of the sentence if there is any.

Forming Questions with 'Does'

Now, let's explore how to form questions with 'does'. When dealing with singular third-person subjects (he, she, it), you will use 'does'. The structure is similar to that of 'do', with a slight modification:

Does + Subject + Base Form of the Verb + (Rest of the Sentence)?

Consider the following examples:

• Statement: She likes tea.
• Question: Does she like tea?

• Statement: He plays the guitar.
• Question: Does he play the guitar?

Notice that when using 'does', the main verb remains in its base form. This is because 'does' already indicates the third-person singular, so there is no need to add an 's' to the main verb.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When forming questions with 'do' and 'does', beginners often make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

• Using the Correct Auxiliary Verb: Remember to use 'do' with I, you, we, and they, and 'does' with he, she, and it.
• Maintaining the Base Form of the Verb: Always use the base form of the main verb after 'do' or 'does'. Do not add 's' or 'es' to the verb when using 'does'.
• Word Order: Ensure that the auxiliary verb comes before the subject in questions. This inversion is key to forming a question.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding, try forming questions from the following statements:

1. They enjoy reading books.
2. He watches TV every evening.
3. I eat breakfast at 7 AM.
4. She goes to the gym on weekends.
5. We visit our grandparents often.

Answers:

1. Do they enjoy reading books?
2. Does he watch TV every evening?
3. Do I eat breakfast at 7 AM?
4. Does she go to the gym on weekends?
5. Do we visit our grandparents often?

Conclusion

Mastering the use of 'do' and 'does' to form simple questions is a fundamental step in your English learning journey. By understanding the structure and practicing regularly, you will become more confident in asking questions and engaging in conversations. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and applying these structures in your daily interactions. With time and effort, forming questions in English will become second nature to you.

As you progress in your studies, you'll discover more complex question forms and structures, but a strong foundation in using 'do' and 'does' will always serve you well. Keep exploring, keep asking questions, and enjoy the process of learning English!