BEGINNER ENGLISH Lesson 15
for English Language Learners (ELL) – those learning to speak English as a Second Language (ESL), or English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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The Verb DO
The verb do is another important verb to learn at the BEGINNER level.
One of the reasons the verb do is important to learn is because it works as a main verb, and as a helping (or auxiliary) verb in English.
Lesson 15 – Using the Verb do as a HELPING VERB in Negative Statements
Practice using the verb do in negative statements with different subjects.
IMPORTANT: Notice how the HELPING VERB changes to agree with the Subject. The MAIN VERB stays the same.
Some students find it helps to think of a HELPING VERB as they would think of hired help for a home.
If you hire someone to cook your dinner, you don’t cook your own dinner, right? The HELPER does the work.
When there is a HELPING VERB, the MAIN VERB doesn’t have to change to match or “agree” with the Subject. That is the job of the HELPING VERB. The HELPING VERB must agree with the SUBJECT.
Notice in the following table, how the main verb does not change form, no matter what the SUBJECT is.
HELPING VERB (DO) – NEGATIVE
Basic Structure
SUBJECT + Helping VERB (do) + NOT + Main VERB + OBJECT
1st person – singular
I do not need help.
1st person – plural
We do not need rain.
2nd person – singular or plural
You do not need trouble.
3rd person – singular
He | She | It does not need food.
3rd person – plural
They do not need haircuts.