Inversion
Inversion happens when we reverse (invert) the normal word order of a structure, most
commonly the subject-verb word order. For example, a statement has the subject (s) before
the verb (v), but to make question word order, we invert the subject and the verb, with an
auxiliary (aux) or modal verb (m) before the subject (s):
[S]She [V]sings.
[AUX]Does [S]she [V]sing?
[S]They [AUX]are [V]working.
[AUX] [S]Are they [V]working?
[S]Joe [M]can [V]swim.
[M]Can [S]Joe [V]swim?
When does inversion happen?
The most common type of inversion is question word order (see above). Inversion also
happens in other situations.
Negative adverbs
In formal styles, when we use an adverb with negative meaning (e.g. never, seldom, rarely,
scarcely, hardly) in front position for emphasis, we invert the subject (s) and auxiliary
(aux)/modal verb:
Never [AUX]have [S]we witnessed such cruel behaviour by one child to another. (or We have
never witnessed …)
Seldom does one hear a politician say ‘sorry’. (or One seldom hears …)
Expressions beginning with not
We also invert the subject and verb after not + a prepositional phrase or a clause in initial
position:
Not for a moment did I think I would be offered the job, so I was amazed when I got it.
Not till I got home did I realise my wallet was missing.
Here and there
Inversion can happen after here, and after there when it is as an adverb of place. After here
and there, we can use a main verb without an auxiliary verb or modal verb:
Here comes the bus!
Here’s your coffee.
I opened the door and there stood Michael, all covered in mud.
She looked out and there was Pamela, walking along arm in arm with Goldie.
Inversion with negative adverbials
In formal English, and in written language in particular, we use negative adverbials at
the beginning of the sentence to make it more emphatic or dramatic.
The word order is inverted: the negative adverbial is placed first, an auxiliary verb
follows it and the subject of the sentence comes next.
The inversion of the subject and the verb can take place after a clause that begins with
Not until and Only after/if/when.
Time adverbials:
Never (before), rarely, seldom;
Barely/hardly/scarcely...when/before;
No sooner....than
Only a time expression:
Only when, only after...
Negative expressions:
Under,In no circumstances, In no way...
Expressions starting with Not...:
Not a noun, not only.... but also, not until...
Little with a negative meaning
Look at the following examples:
Never have I encountered such rudeness! (extract from a letter of complaint about the
service in a restaurant)
Not only is Amanda Swift a gifted musician, but she is also good-natured and
responsible. (extract from a covering letter)
No sooner had he locked the door than the phone started ringing.
Only when the last person had left did she sit down and try to relax.
Under no circumstances can you inform the staff about the imminent changes.
Not a sound could be heard in the church.
Little does Michael suspect that his daughter has been failing all her subjects at school!
INVERSION
(verb before the subject)
Inversion means putting the verb before the subject.
It is a literary technique in which the normal order of words is reversed, generally for
emphasis or special effect.
It makes a sentence sound striking or unusual. It also sounds quite formal.
Sentences with inversion are less common in everyday English.
In a sentence with no special effect or emphasis, the normal order of words is retained.
Example 1 : I have never seen such a beautiful rose.
Example 2 : Never have I seen such a beautiful rose.
In example 2 inversion is used to emphasise the fact that in your whole lifetime you have not
seen such a beautiful rose.
It is sometimes difficult to remember when inversion is or can be used.
Here are some guidelines and examples to help you.
In normal everyday English, inversion is used :
To make questions : Does he? Can you?
After 'so' 'neither', 'nor' : So do I, neither do I, nor do I.
In written English, as well as in a very formal style, inversion can be used in the following cases :
After negative adverbial expressions :
o Under no circumstances can we accept credit cards.
o In no way can he be held responsible.
o At no time did she say she would come.
o Not until I heard my name did I believe I had won the race.
After adverbial expressions of place :
o Round the corner came the postman.
o On the doorstep was a bunch of flowers.
After 'seldom', 'rarely', 'never', and 'little':
o Seldom have I seen such a beautiful view.
o Rarely did he pay anyone a compliment.
o Never had I felt so happy.
o Little did he imagine how dangerous it would be.
After 'hardly', 'scarcely', 'barely', 'no sooner', when one thing happens after another.
o Hardly had I begun to speak when I was interrupted.
o Scarcely had we started our meal when the phone rang.
o Barely had they finished the match when the rain started to fall.
o No sooner had I arrived than they all started to argue.
Note that hardly, scarcely and barely are followed by when.
No sooner is followed by than.
After adverbial expressions beginning with 'only' and 'not only' :
o Only after the meeting did I realize the importance of the subject.
o Only when the plane landed safely did he calm down.
o Not only was the car slow, it was also very uncomfortable.
Conditionals with inversions
In conditional sentences we can sometimes replace the 'if' with an inversion:
o If I had known it would be so difficult I would never have enrolled.
o Had I known it would be so difficult I would never have enrolled.
After exclamations with 'here' and 'there' :
o Here comes the winner!
o There goes all our money!