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Doesʼnt or Dosent – Which is Correct?

When it comes to the correct spelling of “doesn’t,” it is important to use the apostrophe between the “n” and “t.” The correct spelling is “doesn’t,” not “doesʼnt” or “dosent.” Let’s dive into the reasons why this is the case and explore some examples to solidify our understanding.

The word “doesn’t” is a contraction of “does not.” Contractions are commonly used in English to combine two words into one, and they are formed by replacing specific letters with an apostrophe. In the case of “doesn’t,” the apostrophe takes the place of the missing letter “o” in “not.” This contraction is used to express the negative form of the verb “does.”

Here are a few examples of how “doesn’t” should be used correctly:

1. He doesn’t like spicy food.
– In this sentence, “doesn’t” is used to express that the subject “he” does not enjoy eating spicy food.

2. She doesn’t play the guitar.
– Here, “doesn’t” indicates that the subject “she” does not engage in playing the guitar.

3. The cat doesn’t like water.
– In this example, “doesn’t” is used to show that the subject “the cat” has a dislike for water.

It is important to note that “doesn’t” is used specifically with the third-person singular subjects (he, she, it). When we are referring to other subjects or using other verb forms, we use different contractions or spell out the full forms of the words.

For example:

1. They don’t believe in ghosts.
– In this sentence, we use “don’t” instead of “doesn’t” because the subject “they” is plural.

2. I do not want to go to the party.
– In this case, we have used the full form “do not” since the subject “I” is not in the third-person singular form.

Using the correct form of “doesn’t” is essential for maintaining proper grammar and clarity in your writing and communication. Incorrect spelling, such as “doesʼnt” or “dosent,” may lead to confusion or misunderstandings.

In conclusion, the correct spelling is “doesn’t,” and it should always be used when expressing the negative form of the verb “does.” By using the contraction correctly, you can enhance the quality and effectiveness of your English language skills. So, remember to include the apostrophe and enjoy using “doesn’t” confidently in your conversations and writing!