Inversions

Inversions - 1

Inversion means putting the verb before the subject.
It is a technique in which the normal order of words is reversed, generally for emphasis or special effect.
The sentence will be more noticeable and unusual. It will also sound quite formal.
Inversions are more common in written English than in spoken.

Example 1: I had never visited Egypt.
Example 2: Never before had I visited Egypt.
In example 2 the inversion is used to emphasise the fact that in your whole lifetime
you had not visited Egypt.

It can be sometimes difficult to remember when inversion is or can be used.
See on page 2 when inversions - in normal everyday English - are used.

Inversions - 2

  • After negative adverbial expressions
    Under no circumstances can we work with people under the age of 16.
    In no way can that man be held responsible.
    At no time, did the boss say she would give you extra shifts.
    Not until I read my name did I believe I passed the exam.
  • After seldom, rarely, never and little
    Seldom have I seen such an impressive view.
    Rarely did she ask for any help.
    Never before I had felt so afraid.
    Little did we imagine how good the play would be.
  • After hardly, scarcely, no sooner when one thing happens after another
    Hardly had I started my run when it started to rain.
    Scarcely had we sat down for dinner when she received an urgent text.
    No sooner had I finished one project than I had to start another one.
    Note that after hardly and scarcely we use when, and no sooner than.
  • After adverbial expressions beginning with only and not only
    Only after the meeting did we realize the importance of the topic.
    Not only was the work interesting, it was also very well paid.

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    Auteur
    VO-content
    Laatst gewijzigd
    2017-09-27 16:51:44
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