When to Use "Do" or "Does" with "They" in English，This article delves into the correct usage of "do" and "does" when referring to the pronoun "they" in English, focusing on subject-verb agreement rules. Understanding this distinction is crucial for clear communication and grammatical accuracy.
1. Basic Subject-Verb Agreement
In English, subject-verb agreement refers to the matching between the number and tense of a subject and its corresponding verb. With "they," the verb choice depends on whether it is referring to a singular or plural subject.
2. "Do" for Plural Subjects
If "they" is used to represent a group of people, things, or animals that are plural, you would use "do." For example:
- They do their homework every day.
- The team does well in sports competitions.
3. "Does" for Singular Subjects
However, if "they" is referring to a single person or an entity that acts as a singular subject, you would use "does." This typically occurs in questions or when discussing formal situations where a single person is the focus:
- Does she always arrive early?
- The company does have a strong online presence.
4. Exceptions and Irregular Verbs
It s important to note that some irregular verbs, like "be" (am, is, are), don t follow this rule. For example, "They are" is correct regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural. Other irregular verbs like "have" also require special attention.
In questions, however, the verb usually changes to match the subject, even for irregulars:
- Is he coming? (using "is" with a singular subject)
- Are they coming? (using "are" with a plural subject)
5. Practice and Application
To master this rule, practice identifying the subject s number and choosing the appropriate form of "do" or "does." Pay attention to context clues and remember that subject-verb agreement is a fundamental aspect of grammar.
In conclusion, using "do" with "they" for plural subjects and "does" for singular subjects is essential for maintaining proper English grammar. By understanding these guidelines, you ll be able to communicate more effectively and confidently in both written and spoken English.