Word
DID
Phoneticsdid
US/ˈdɪd/
UK/dˈɪd/
Definition
v. the past tense of 'do'. You use it to talk about actions or tasks that someone finished in the past.
v. the past tense of 'do'. Functions as the past-tense form of the lexical verb or as an auxiliary for questions, negation, and emphasis.
Examples
“I did my homework last night.”
“She did everything she could to help the team win the championship game last weekend.”
“Although the committee did approve the initial proposal, they requested several significant revisions before the final project could move into the implementation phase.”
Examples
simple
“I did my homework last night.”
contextual
“She did everything she could to help the team win the championship game last weekend.”
complex
“Although the committee did approve the initial proposal, they requested several significant revisions before the final project could move into the implementation phase.”
Usage
As an auxiliary, it is followed by the base form of the main verb in questions and negatives.
Pitfall
Did you went to the store?
Did you go to the store?
When using 'did' as an auxiliary in a question, the main verb must remain in its base form, not the past tense.
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 3
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/did