CAE : INVERSION
Certain adverbs and adverbial phrases with a negative or restrictive meaning can be placed at the
beginning of a sentence for emphasis. In this case, the position of the subject and verb is reversed,
as in question forms. This occurs mainly in written English or more formal speech.
1) Where the main verb is used with an auxiliary verb, the position of the subject an auxiliary
verb is reversed, just as in question forms.
S–V–B V–S–O
I will never lend money to Richard again. à Never again will I lend money to Richard
Where no auxiliary verb is present, either do, does or did is inserted.
Steve hardly ever turned up on time. à Hardly ever did Steve turn up on time.
2) Inversion is used:
§ After certain phrases with not
Not since I was little have I enjoyed myself so much.
Not until we got to my parents' house did we realize we'd left all the Christmas presents at
home.
Not only did he leave dirty footprints all over our carpet, but he also sat on my glasses.
§ after certain phrases with only
Only when I tell you can you put your books away.
Only then was I made aware of the potential dangers.
Further examples: only recently, only later, only in the last few weeks, only at the end of the
lesson
§ after certain phrases with no
On no account must you speak to other candidates.
Under no circumstances should the door be left open.
In no way will we give in to their demands.
At no time were you in any danger.
§ after certain frequency adverbs
Never have I seen such an ugly building.
Rarely/Seldom does one find antique furniture of this kind in such perfect condition.
Hardly ever is he in his office when I phone.
§ with No sooner... than... and Hardly/Barely/Scarcely...when...
No sooner had I got into the shower than the phone rang. (= As soon as I got into the
shower...)
Hardly had we finished breakfast when we were told it would soon be time for lunch.
§ after Little, meaning not at all
Little did they realize that their conversation was being recorded. (= They had no idea...)
EXERCISE 1: REWRITE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES USING INVERSION.
1) The gang didn't know that the police had them under surveillance.
Little ____________________________________________________________
2) We won't consider you for the basketball team until you grow up.
Not until _________________________________________________________
3) Nobody has won so many matches for his team since 1994.
Not since ________________________________________________________
4) You will not be allowed to enter the auditorium under any circumstances once the play has
started.
Under no circumstances ____________________________________________
5) He would never play in front of a live audience again.
Never ___________________________________________________________
6) Amy had not enjoyed herself so much since she went to the circus as a child.
Not since ________________________________________________________
7) I have never seen such a terrible performance of Hamlet before.
Never before _____________________________________________________
8) They only realized the painting had been hung upside down when someone complained at
reception.
Only when _______________________________________________________
9) I had been in the room for a few minutes when I realized that everyone was staring at me.
Only after ________________________________________________________
10) He discovered that he had injured his knee when he tried to run.
Only when _______________________________________________________
11) The new park was hardly finished when vandals destroyed the flowerbeds.
Hardly __________________________________________________________
12) You shouldn't sign a contract you haven't read thoroughly under any circumstances.
Under no circumstances _________________________________________________
EXERCISE 2: CHOOSE THE CORRECT OPTION.
EXERCISE 3: COMPLETE THE SENTENCES USING THE WORDS AND PHRASES IN THE BOX.
ANSWER KEY
