Clarifying the Use of 'Do' or 'Does' with 'Who' in English Grammar

When it comes to forming questions using the pronoun 'who' in English, the choice between using 'do' or 'does' can be a bit confusing. This article aims to clarify when to use each and provide clarity through examples and explanations.

Singular vs. Plural Verbs with 'Who'

It is a common misconception that when using 'who' in a question, we must always use a singular verb like 'does'. However, the choice largely depends on the context and the nature of the question being asked. Let's explore the rules and exceptions in detail.

General Rule for Simple Present Tense

Unless there is a specific exception, we typically add an 's' or 'es' to the verb when using 'who' in the simple present tense to form a question. For example:

'Who goes to work?

'Who rings the bell?

In these examples, the implied subject 'who' is singular and thus the verb follows the singular form.

Exception to the Rule

However, there are exceptions to this general rule. We do not use 'do' or 'does' with the question 'who' in certain situations, such as:

'Who drives to work?'

'Who rings the doorbell?'

In these examples, the implied subject 'who' is singular and the question is posed directly without the need for an auxiliary verb.

Examples with Multiple Subjects

When the question 'who' refers to multiple people, we use the plural form of the verb. For instance:

'Who invents the next big technology?' (Implying multiple inventors)

'Who plays football at the park?' (Implying multiple players)

In these examples, the implied subjects are plural, hence the use of plural verbs.

Rules for Question Formulation

Understanding the rules for forming questions is crucial for effective communication. Depending on the information being requested, the word order in a question can change. For instance, if the information is about the object, time, place, manner, or who, the word order will typically be inverted. Otherwise, the word order remains the same as in the statement form.

Subject Questions

Subject questions, which ask for the subject of the action, retain the same word order as the statement form. For example:

Statement: 'She goes to work by bicycle.'

Question: 'She goes to work by what?'

Object Questions

Questions asking about the object of the action, such as 'who' or 'what, in simple present tense, will typically use an inverted word order. For example:

Statement: 'I eat apples.'

Question: 'What do I eat?'

Statement: 'She invites John.'

Question: 'Who do they invite?'

In these examples, the word order changes to accommodate the question form.

General Rule for 'Who' in Questions

When using 'who' in a question, the general rule is to use the singular form 'does' even if you expect a plural answer. This is because 'who' is grammatically singular. Examples:

'Who wants to go to the movies?' (Though it might refer to multiple people, the sentence is formed as if 'who' were singular)

'Who owns the car?' (Though it might refer to multiple people, the sentence is formed as if 'who' were singular)

Only use 'Who do' or 'Who does' when 'who' is functioning as part of a collective noun or as a relative pronoun with a plural antecedent. For example:

'Who of the students attend the lecture frequently?' (Using a collective noun)

'Women who play the piano and wear sexy perfume are my kind of women.' (Using a plural antecedent)

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances between using 'do' and 'does' with 'who' can greatly improve your English proficiency and ensure more accurate communication. By following the guidelines and examples provided, you can master this often confusing aspect of English grammar.