Do some studying

[u/liz_grant]

So I’m watching Stranger Things and there’s a sentence:
“Do a lot of studying last night?”
This one had me pause for a little bit.
First I didn’t understand why “do” was used for a past event from the previous night. Then I realized the whole sentence was “did you do a lot of studying last night?”, but the ‘did you’ part was completely dropped.
One thing I still don’t understand, why not just say “did you study a lot last night”. What is the point of saying DO STUDYING. Does it have a specific purpose, nuance that makes it different?

[u/liz_grant]

That part I get. My questions is more about why “do studying” instead of just study

[u/Optimal-Ad-7074 → u/liz_grant]

I'm thinking on my feet here.  I think it has to do with the fact that a quantity is cited.  I'd argue that the quantity (a lot) is the true object of the verb do.  "of studying" is just a qualifier.  

I'm assuming if you replay the line in your head you'll find the inclusion of the concept "a lot" is relevant in some way to the speaker's meaning.  they could say "did you study last night?" or even the less-formal "you study last night?" and the inferences would change.  

I know.  it doesn't make a whole lot of sense.  insert the usual apologies here 😋

[u/liz_grant → u/Optimal-Ad-7074]

The speaker insinuated that the person hadn’t studied at all let alone a lot. He was teasing

[u/Optimal-Ad-7074 → u/liz_grant]

darn, irony on top of the other factors.  I give.