"do" in positive sentences

[AlexAD]

Hi, there.
Could you please explain to me what's the meaning of do in thefollowing phrase:
"We do need to see a lawyer". What it shall be if I say without do?
Thanks a lot.

 

[5jj]

DO is used for emphasis. In speech, it is stressed (except in the uncontracted negative).

The 'emphatic present' is: I do like; I do not like (I don't like), do you like?

With auxiliary BE and HAVE, and the modals, the auxiliary/modal receives the stress in speech.

An alternative way of giving emphasis in your example would be: I really need to se a lawyer.

 

[TheParser]

Hi, there.
Could you please explain to me what's the meaning of do in thefollowing phrase:
"We do need to see a lawyer". What it shall be if I say without do?
Thanks a lot.

***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Alex,


Wife: Darling, I think that we need to see a lawyer.

Husband: It's not a serious matter. Don't worry.

Wife: Believe me, Charles, we do need to see a lawyer. And soon!!!

The do is for emphasis. I believe that you could also

make it even stronger: We really do need to see a lawyer.

*****


Tom: I speak 10 languages.

Everyone laughs.

Tom: Stop laughing! I do speak 10 languages!!!/ I really do speak

10 languages!!!

When someone does not believe you, you may use a form of "do" to

emphasize the truth of your statement:

Ralph: The president called me last night.

Everyone laughs.

Ralph: The president (really) did call me last night.

P.S. Be careful. Do NOT use "do" with a form of "be."

Tony: I am rich.

Everyone laughs.

Tony: I (really) AM rich. (Just say the form of "be" in a very loud voice.)

 

[5jj]

P.S. Be careful. Do NOT use "do" with a form of "be."

Tony: I am rich.

Everyone laughs.

Tony: I (really) AM rich. (Just say the form of "be" in a very loud voice.)

Parser is, as usual, correct. However, we can use DO with BE for an emphatic form of the imperative, and we have to use it for a negative imperative whether or not we add stress:

Be careful. Do be careful! Don't be silly. Don't be silly!

 

[AlexAD]

Thanks a lot guys for your explanations!
TheParser, I found your examples very instructive!