Language Expansion
Stressing auxiliary verbs for emphasis
In general, when we use auxiliary verbs, they are often contracted. When we use the
full form and stress them when speaking, we are doing so to either make the whole
sentence emphatic, or to show a contrast.
A: Delia is on the computer. Why isn’t she doing her homework?
B: She is doing her homework. It’s an online assignment. (NOT: she’s)
A: Rex hasn’t called to talk today.
B: He has called today. He called this morning. (NOT: he’s)
A: Why don’t you like classical music? Is it because you can’t play the piano?
B: I can play the piano. I just think classical music is boring.
Language Expansion
Auxiliary do for emphasis in the simple present/past
To add emphasis to a simple present and past statement, we add an auxiliary do before
the main verb, using the form that matches the subject (e.g., I do, he does, etc.).
Simple present
A: He doesn’t like vegetables, does he?
B: He does like vegetables. He’s a vegetarian.
A: He doesn’t like broccoli, but he does like kale.
Simple past
A: You said you’d pay me back for lunch.
B: I did pay you back! I paid you through Venmo.
A: I didn’t pay for lunch, but I did treat everyone to coffee this afternoon.
Language Expansion
Stress in short answers
Here are more examples where we stress do and other auxiliaries in short answers.
Note that we don’t need to complete the verb phrase, and other words can be left out if
the meaning is clear.
A: You don’t know Isabella, do you? B: Yes, I do. We grew up together.
A: Fred doesn’t own a car, does he? B: Actually, he does. He just bought one.
A: You’re not going to sit there, are you? B: Yes, I am. It’s my favorite chair.
A: You wouldn’t lie about your age, would you? B: Sometimes I would!
A: Kara won’t be at the party, will she? B: Unfortunately, she will.
A: You couldn’t run that fast, could you? B: I could. But I’m tired today!
Quick Check 1
Complete the sentences with correct form of be, can, do, or have.
1. A: You didn’t open the window, did you? B: Actually, I ____.
didIt’s hot.
2. A: Celia has been to Spain, hasn’t she? B: No, in fact, she _____.
hasn’t
3. A: You’re not going to post those pictures, are you? B: I _____! They’re cute!
4. Mandy doesn’t like mystery movies, but she _____ like romance
am movies.
5. A: I could call the doctor and make an appointment.
does B: Yes, you ______.
6. A: Why haven’t they packed their bags? B: They ______, in fact.
could
Language Expansion
More about emphatic stress
In the simple present tense, we can place the emphatic do before an imperative to
make it stronger.
Do go to sleep. It’s late.
Do have some pie! It’s homemade.
Do close the door after you leave.
We can emphatically stress auxiliaries in if-clauses when we’re uncertain whether a
condition has been met.
A: I wonder if Jason will drop by. B: If he does (drop by), can you give him this book?
A: Has May ordered lunch? B: If she has (ordered lunch), she hasn’t told me.
Quick Check 2
Complete the sentences with the correct auxiliary. Use do for emphasis where
necessary.
1. Wedo
______ enjoy riding bikes. It’s a great way to exercise together.
2. A: Has Kelly been here?
has B: If she ______, I haven’t seen her.
3. A: Will Hank be attending the meeting? B: Unfortunately, he ______.
won’t
4. I’ve already heard this story, but please _____ tell it again.
do
5. A: Wilma, can you set the table? If you _____, it would save me some time.
