29563 inversion

Inversion
Inversion can be used to form questions and conditional sentences, but it can also be used for
emphasis.
Examples:
• Little did she know how much work was left.
•On no account must you sleep at school.
•Never should you forget who your boss is.
•Only then can you belong to me.
•Here comes the sun.
Note:
The structure is rarely used in spoken English. Most often, you will find it in books.
Negative Adverbials
We're going to have a look at inversion that sometimes takes place with certain adverbs and
adverb phrases, mostly with a negative or restrictive sense. Such adverbs (adverb phrases)
can be placed first in a sentence or clause for emphasis. They are then followed by the
interrogative (i.e. inverted ) form of the verb.

Time expressions: never, rarely, seldom
These time expressions are used with a perfect form or with modals and often include
comparatives:
Examples:
Never have I been more insulted!
Seldom has he seen anything stranger.


Time expressions: hardly, barely, no sooner, or scarcely
These time expressions are used when a there are a succession of events in the past.
Examples:
Scarcely had I got out of bed when the doorbell rang.
No sooner had he finished dinner, when she walked in the door.

After 'Only' Expressions such as 'only after', 'only when', 'only then', etc.
'Only' is used with a time expression.
Examples:
Only then did I understand the problem.
Only after understanding the situation does the teacher make a comment.

After 'Little'
'Little' is used in a negative sense.
Examples:
Little did he understand the situation.
Little have I read about nanotechnology.

Also note that a second negative verb in a sentence can sometimes be expressed by nor with
inversion:
She had no friends and didn't know anyone who could help her.
= She had no friends, nor did she know anyone who could help her.


Turn the following into inverted sentences.
1. The matter could be explained in no other way.
In

2. We had hardly started when it began to rain.
Hardly

3. I have seldom heard such beautiful singing.
Seldom

4. I shall never forget your kindness.
Never

5. I saw only then the danger we were in.
Only

6. We had no sooner left the house than it exploded.
No

7. He didn't realize that he had lost the key till he got home.
Not

8. They not only robbed you, they smashed everything.
Not

9. Half a dozen apples fell down.
Dow n


10. If an emergency should arise, dial 999.
Should

11. If Rex were a little more hardworking, he would not have failed.

12. If Mr Chan had been kinder to his employees, his business would not have collapsed.




Answers:
1. In no other way could the matter be explained.
2. Hardly had we started when it began to rain.

3. Seldom have I heard such beautiful singing.
4. Never shall I forget your kindness.
5. Only then did I see the danger we were in.
6. No sooner had we left the house than it exploded.
7. Not till he got home did he realize that he had lost the key.
8. Not only did they rob you, they smashed everything.
9. Down fell half a dozen apples.
10. Should an emergency arise, dial 999.
11. Were Rex a little more hardworking, he would not have failed.
12. Had Mr Chan been kinder to his employees, his business would not have collapsed.