INVERSION (Grammar)

unit 7 grammar inversion

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When never, rarely, little etc. are placed at the beginning of the sentence for rhetorical effect, the subject and auxiliary are inverted:

Never (before) have we faced such a challenge! (We have never faced such a challenge!)

Rarely has there been so much speculation about the future of the company. (There has rarely been so much speculation about the future of the company.)

Little did she understand what the conversation was about. (She didn’t really understand what the conversation was about.)

Under no circumstances are you allowed to disturb the pilots. (You are not allowed to disturb the pilots under any circumstances.)

On no condition will the company bear responsibility for lost property. (The company will not bear responsibility for lost property on any condition.)

In no way am I related to the suspect. (I am in no way related to the suspect. )

Not only did he exceed the speed limit, but he had also consumed alcohol. (He not only exceeded the speed limit but he had also consumed alcohol.)

Not only were you late, but you didn’t even have a good excuse. (You were not only late, but you didn’t have a good excuse either.)

(From: http://www.grammaring.com/never-rarely-little-in-under-no-circumstances-on-no-condition-in-no-way-not-only-but-also-etc)

Inversion in conditional sentences We can use inversion in certain types of conditional sentences when the if-clause begins with had, were or should. Sentences with inversion sometimes sound more formal than those with the more conventional if-construction. Compare the following: Had he not resigned, we would have been obliged to give him the sack. If he had not resigned, we would have been forced to sack him. Were she to find out that he was seeing some one else, she’d go berserk. If she were to find out that he was cheating on her, she would go mad. Should you decide to cancel the contract, please let me know by Friday. If you decide to withdraw from the agreement, please phone me by Friday.

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SEE CIUG ENGLISH EXAM, SEPTEMBER OPTION B- EXERCISE 3B(CLICK HERE):

b) She felt at peace. Unhindered and free.

Not only did she ….............................

Vocabulary:

Soothe=Tranquilizar, calmar, confortar/ Catwalk= Pasarela/ Lap= (El mar, el río) lamer, besar; (Un animal) beber a lengüetazos/ Unhindered= Libre , sin trabas, sin obstáculos / Ripple= Ondas, ondear, formar ondas/ Bounce= Rebotar / Rook= Grajo / Caw= Graznar/ Fleck= Salpicar, motear/ Patter= Golpetear, tamborilear / Soak= Empapar, calar