Inversion means changes the normal subject – verb word for emphasis. It has a surprising and persuasive effect and it sounds rather formal.
I. INVERSION AFTER NEGATIVE ADVERBIALS:
A. INVERSION
IN THE FIRST PART OF THE SENTENCE:
Negative expression + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb, (subject +
verb)
1. Negative
adverbs or adverb phrase used with inversion: hardly, (in) no way, little, never, no sooner, nowhere, only in this
way, on no account, only then/later, rarely, scarcely, seldom.
Hardly had I
arrived home when somebody knocked at the door. Little did he know that the thief
was about to steal his wallet. Never had I seen such a beautiful castle before.
2. Prohibition
and restriction: At no time, under no
circumstances, not only … but also.
At no time did he offer me a lift. Not only does she play tennis, she also does judo and karate.
B-
INVERSION IN THE SECOND PART OF THE SENTENCE:
Negative adverb or adverb phrase + subject + verb, auxiliary verb + subject
+ main verb
Negative
adverbs or adverb phrase used with inversion: not since, not until, only after, only by, only when.
Not until she
looked at me did I realise she was your sister. Only when I had arrived at the
hotel did I relax. Only by studying hard could I pass the exam.
II. INVERTED CONDITIONALS (without “if”):
First type: Should + subject + verb, subject + verb + complements
Should she
go to watch the film, she will love it.
Second type: Were + subject + to + infinitive, subject + verb + complements
Were he to go
to University, his parents would be very proud of him.
Third type: Had + subject + Past Participle, subject + verb + complements
Had it
rained, we would have stayed at home.
