VOA名师答疑2024--'Do' for Emphasis

'Do' for Emphasis¹

　　Hello! This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question from Teacher Sahraoui.

　　Question:

　　My student answered a question I asked in a written test as follows:

　　Yes, consumers do adopt new habits.

　　Shall I consider the answer grammatically² incorrect because of the use of auxiliary³ do, even though the rest of the sentence is ok?

　　Thanks for answering.

　　Answer

　　Thanks for writing, Sahraoui. Your question points out an important purpose for "do" in statements.

　　We know that "do" does many things in English. It can serve as an auxiliary verb in negative statements. For example:

　　I don't have any money.

　　It can also serve as an auxiliary verb in questions:

　　Does Brent have to work on weekends?

　　What do you think?

　　Or it can provide a short answer to a yes/no question.

　　Yes, I do.

　　No, I don't.

　　In addition to all that, it can make imperatives⁴, or commands, more polite.

　　Do come in.

　　"Do" can also be used to make sentences clearer and shorter.

　　Bill likes to swim, and so does Betty.

　　You asked if the sentence your student wrote is grammatically incorrect because of the use of "do." Well, there is one function of "do," which we have not yet discussed: emphasis.

　　"Do" is one way users⁵ of English bring attention to a whole or part of a message.

　　A whole sentence can be emphasized⁶ by adding "do." For example:

　　It does taste good!

　　We did enjoy the play.

　　I do want to learn.

　　The sentence you ask about is grammatically correct. The use of "do" shows emphasis.

　　I'm not sure if this is what your student meant when he wrote "do." He might need a little more help with answering questions. But the sentence is grammatically correct.

　　Please let us know if this explanation has helped you, Sahraoui.

　　Do you have a question about American English? Send us an email at [email protected].

　　And that's Ask a Teacher.

　　Words in This Story

　　function—n. the part that a thing plays; a purpose

　　emphasis—n. special importance, value, or attention

1 emphasis   

n.强调，重点，重要性

参考例句：

• The emphasis has shifted markedly in recent years.最近几年重点已经明显改变了。
• Particular emphasis will be placed on oral language training.将会特别强调口语训练。

2 grammatically   

adv.符合语法规则地

参考例句：

• This essay is grammatically smooth and readable. 这篇作文写得还顺。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Grammatically, the Sanskrit paradigm exemplifies the concept of radical. 从语法的观点看，梵语的变格范例明确了词根的概念。 来自辞典例句

3 auxiliary   

adj.辅助的，备用的

参考例句：

• I work in an auxiliary unit.我在一家附属单位工作。
• The hospital has an auxiliary power system in case of blackout.这家医院装有备用发电系统以防灯火管制。

4 imperatives   

n.必要的事( imperative的名词复数 )；祈使语气；必须履行的责任

参考例句：

• Nixon, however, had other imperatives. 但尼克松另有需要。 来自辞典例句
• There could be some cultural imperatives in there somewhere! 在公共传播那里，在某些方面，可能有更迫切的文化需要！ 来自互联网

5 users   

用户，使用者( user的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The new software will prove a boon to Internet users. 这种新软件将会对互联网用户大有益处。
• Ramps should be provided for wheelchair users. 应该给轮椅使用者提供坡道。

6 emphasized   

强调( emphasize的过去式和过去分词 )； 加强语气； 重读； 使突出

参考例句：

• His speech emphasized the importance of attracting industry to the town. 他的发言强调了吸引工业到城镇的重要性。
• Roads and other cultural details may be emphasized in colour. 道路及其它地物细部还可以用颜色予以突出。