INVERSION - C1
The term inversion covers two different grammatical operations, which are often used in
formal language, usually for rhetorical effect, such as in political speeches
• Using a question form of the main verb
Not only did he fail to report the accident, but also later denied that he had been driving the car.
• Changing the normal positions of verb and subject
Along the street came a strange procession.
INVERSION AFTER NEGATIVE ADVERBIALS
TIME EXPRESSIONS
never, rarely, seldom
These are most commonly used with present perfect or past perfect, or with modals such
as can and could. Sentences of this type often contain comparatives.
Rarely can a minister have been faced with such a problem.
Seldom has the team given a worse performance.
TIME EXPRESSIONS
hardly, barely, scarcely, no sooner
These refer to an event which quickly follows another in the past. They are usually used
with past perfect, although no sooner can be followed by past simple.
Hardly had the train left the station, when there was an explosion.
Scarcely had I entered the room when the phone rang.
No sooner was the team back on the pitch than it started raining.
ONLY + TIME EXPRESSION
only after, only if, only when, only then, only later
Here only combines with other time expressions and is usually used with past simple.
Only after posting the letter did I remember that I had forgotten to put on a stamp.
PHRASES WITH NO/NOT
under no circumstances, on no account, at no time, in no way, on no condition, not
until, not only…
On no condition are they to open fire without a warning.
Not until I got home did I notice that I had the wrong umbrella.
LITTLE
Little also has a negative or restrictive meaning.
Little does the government appreciate what the results will be.
INVERSION AFTER SO/SUCH WITH THAT
This occurs with so and adjectives when the main verb is be. It is used for emphasis and is
more common than the example with such.
So devastating were the floods that some areas may never recover.
Such was the force of the storm that trees were uprooted.
INVERTED CONDITIONALS
Three types of conditionals can be inverted without IF-. This makes the sentences more
formal and makes the event less likely.
If they were to escape, there would be an outcry. —> Were they to escape, there would be an outcry.
If the police had found out, I would have been in trouble. —> Were the police to have found out, I would
have been in trouble.
If you should hear anything, let me know. —> Should you hear anything, let me know.
If I had known, I would have protested strongly. —> Had I known, I would have protested strongly.
INVERSION AFTER “AS”
This is more common in formal or written language.
We were short of money, as were most people in our neighbourhood.
INVERSION AFTER “SO, NEITHER, NOR”
These are used in 'echoing' statements, agreeing or disagreeing.
A: I am going home. B: So am I.
A: I don't like meat. B: Neither do I.