Scribd
Upload
5 views1 page

Inversion for Emphasis Explained

The document explains the use of inversion for emphasis in formal language, particularly in rhetorical contexts like political speeches. It provides examples of sentences where restrictive words or phrases are placed at the beginning, resulting in the inversion of the subject and auxiliary verb. This technique enhances the impact of the statements made.

Uploaded by

Anelise Reisdorfer Pascote
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views1 page

Inversion for Emphasis Explained

The document explains the use of inversion for emphasis in formal language, particularly in rhetorical contexts like political speeches. It provides examples of sentences where restrictive words or phrases are placed at the beginning, resulting in the inversion of the subject and auxiliary verb. This technique enhances the impact of the statements made.

Uploaded by

Anelise Reisdorfer Pascote
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Emphasis with Inversion

We can put certain restrictive words or phrases at the beginning of a sentence


for emphasis. When we do this, there is inversion of the subject and auxiliary
verb. All examples are used in formal language, for rhetorical effect, such as in
political speeches.

Under no circumstances should you let her go.


At no time would she consider any other possibility.
Not until the end did I realize the danger I’d been in.
Hardly had I put the phone down when it rang again.
No sooner had I put the phone down than it rang again.
Seldom have I read such an excellent piece of work.
Rarely will you see such a gifted performer.
Little did I know that he planned to resign that day.
Never before has the city looked so magnificent.
Only then did I realize how unhappy she had been.
Not only have you missed a week’s classes, but you have also failed to hand
in any work.

You might also like