Inversion - Fce
Inversion - Fce
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.
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 have we witnessed such cruel behaviour by one child to another. (or We have never witnessed …)
Seldom/Rarely does one hear a politician say ‘sorry’. (or One seldom hears …)
SOME ADVERBS (E.G. HARDLY, LITTLE, NEVER, ONLY, SCARCELY AND SELDOM) have a
NEGATIVE MEANING. When we use these at the beginning of the clause, we invert the subject and
verb:
Hardly/Barely/Scarcely had we left the hotel when it started to pour with rain.
We also invert the subject and verb after not + a prepositional phrase or a clause in initial position:
NOT FOR A MOMENT/AT NO TIME did I think I would be offered the job, so I was amazed when I got it.
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:
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.
WE ALSO INVERT THE SUBJECT AND VERB AFTER NOT + A PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE
OR NOT + A CLAUSE IN FRONT POSITION:
Not for a moment did I think I would be offered the job, so I was amazed when I got it.
NOT ONLY
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
NO SOONER