5 – Pronunciation: Emphatic Do
Usually in English, positive statements in the simple present and simple past tense use the following pattern: S+V+O. However, sometimes the speaker wants to add emphasis to a point, either to focus on
the importance of the point, or to contrast it with an opposing point. To do this, the speaker adds the helping verb do: S + do/does/did +V+O. This is called the emphatic do and is generally only used in spoken English.
A) Look at the sentences below using the emphatic do.
B) Listen to the pronunciation of the sentences above, paying attention to the pronunciation of the emphatic do. Then read the sentences , putting stress on the emphatic do.
C) Look at the statements below. The statements are worded so that you can respond using the emphatic do. Remember to use it in the correct tense and to stress the word correctly.
Example:
| Original Sentence Person A: | Possible answer using emphatic do Person B (answer): |
| You never come on time | I do come on time, usually |
| Original Sentence | Possible answer using emphatic do |
| I heard that you didn’t like the new Tom Cruise film. | |
| Why don’t you speak English in class? | |
| It seems like you didn’t brush your hair this morning. | |
| Why don’t you come to class regularly? | |
| Why didn’t you eat dinner last night? | |
| You didn’t do the homework for today. | |
| You never wash your face | |
| You never studied English before this class. | |
| Do you like to cook? | |
| Why don’t you call home sometimes? |
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