What’s the Difference Between Do, Does, and Did?

Do vs Does vs Did: Simple Grammar Guide with Examples

Learning English can feel tricky some
times, especially when we meet words that look similar but are used in different ways. Three of the most common confusing words are: Do, Does, and Did. In this article, you’ll find an easy explanation, clear examples, and tips to help you never mix them up again.

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1. What Do, Does, and Did Mean

All three words come from the verb “to do”, which means “to perform” or “to carry out an action.”

The difference depends on:

Tense (present or past)

Subject (I, you, he, she, etc.)

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2. When to Use Do

We use do in the present simple tense with:

I

You

We

They

✅ Examples:

I do my homework every day.

They do sports in the morning.

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3. When to Use Does

We use does in the present simple tense with:

He

She

It

✅ Examples:

She does her homework in the evening.

He does a great job.

⚠️ Important:

When we use does in questions or negatives, the main verb does not take “s.”

❌ Does she plays football?

✅ Does she play football?

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4. When to Use Did

We use did in the past simple tense with all subjects (I, you, he, she, we, they).

✅ Examples:

I did my homework yesterday.

They did their best.

⚠️ Important:

In questions and negatives with did, the main verb stays in its base form.

❌ Did you went to school?

✅ Did you go to school?

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5. Easy Tips to Remember

1. Do → Present tense with I, You, We, They.

2. Does → Present tense with He, She, It.

3. Did → Past tense with all subjects.

4. After does and did, always use the base form of the verb.

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6. Quick Practice

Fill in the blanks with the correct word (Do / Does / Did):

1. She ___ her work every morning.

2. I ___ not like this movie.

3. They ___ their project yesterday.

4. ___ he play football on weekends?

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7. Final Thoughts

Do / Does → Present tense.

Did → Past tense.

The main verb always stays in its base form after does or did.

👉 Practice every day by writing 5 sentences with do, does, and did. Repetition is the fastest way to master English grammar.