I am wondering about the meaning and use of DO in "I do love you". Is it just an emphatic use that means "I really love you! I love you so!" or a contraditory statement:
- You don't love me!
- You're wrong, I do love you!
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4Related question, What is the difference between “I want” and “I do want”? and How to add emphasis to a modal verb. Please take a look at the first comment and answer of the first linked question. The second link might be interesting to you. – Dec 31 '15 at 10:41
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Related: 1. Use of “do” in affirmative statements 2. “did shoot” vs “shot” 3. The word ‘do’ emphasises the main verb in this context, but not necessarily in a positive way. It can bear either a positive or a negative/opposing emphasis, depending on context, or on what follow: – Mari-Lou A Dec 31 '15 at 12:20
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- “Do” as a tense marker
– Mari-Lou A Dec 31 '15 at 12:29 -
1"I do love you, BUT . . .." That "but" is one possibility I just thought of! In other words, the person is saying "I love you," but there are extenuating circumstances or factors which might diminish that love. They could range from ". . . but I'm also in love with her," or ". . . but some things have to change if we're going to remain a couple." The ol' "I do love you, but"! – rhetorician Dec 31 '15 at 13:25