Does vs Require a Period: Understanding the Difference in Usage
In the English language, the use of periods (full stops) can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to the verbs “does” and “require.” Many people often wonder whether these verbs need a period at the end of their sentences. This article aims to clarify the difference in usage between “does” and “require” in terms of punctuation.
Does: The Verb and Its Punctuation
The verb “does” is used to replace a main verb in a sentence when the subject is a pronoun. For example, instead of saying “I walk to school,” one might say “I do walk to school.” In this case, “does” is not followed by a period because it is not a complete sentence on its own. It is merely a part of a larger sentence.
However, when “does” is used as an auxiliary verb to form questions, it is followed by a question mark. For instance, “Does she walk to school?” is a complete question, and thus, it requires a question mark at the end.
Require: The Verb and Its Punctuation
On the other hand, the verb “require” is used to indicate that something is necessary or essential. When “require” is used as a main verb in a sentence, it does not need a period at the end. For example, “This task requires attention” is a complete sentence without a period.
However, when “require” is used in the passive voice, it may be followed by a period, depending on the context. For instance, “The project is required to be completed by the end of the month” is a complete sentence with a period at the end.
Conclusion
In summary, the verb “does” does not require a period when used as a part of a larger sentence or as an auxiliary verb in a question. On the other hand, “require” does not need a period when used as a main verb but may be followed by a period in certain passive voice constructions. Understanding the difference in usage can help improve one’s writing and punctuation skills in the English language.
