Inversion (Part 1)

When will we use inversions?

Inversion patterns commonly used

1. Not only… but also…

Example 1
We should work hard and we should master the exam skills.
We should not only work hard,
but we should also master the exam skills.
Not only should we work hard,

Example 2
I hate Queenie and I hate Benson.
I do not only hate Queenie,
but I also hate Benson.
Not only do I hate Queenie,

Example 3
Mary is beautiful and she is kind.
Mary is not only beautiful,
but she is also kind.
Not only is Mary beautiful,

Try to rewrite the following sentences:

a. Mary finishes her homework and she passes the test.

b. Mary finished her homework and she passed the test.
c. Mary will finish her homework and she will pass the test.
d. Mary must finish her homework and she must pass the test.
e. Reading books is conducive to improving your English and it also helps the
foundation of your general knowledge base.
2. Under no circumstances…

Example 1
We should not take drugs.
In no way
By no means
At no time should we take drugs.
Under no circumstances
On no account

Example 2
Mary will not pass the exam.
In no way
By no means
At no time will Mary pass the exam.
Under no circumstances
On no account

Try to rewrite the following sentences:

a. Mary does not finish her homework.
b. Ben would not go to school.
c. Sam must not smoke.

3. So [adj.] is [sth.] that…

Example 1
The book was interesting, so she read it twice.
The book was so interesting
that she read it twice.
So interesting was the book

Example 2
The exam is difficult, so he cannot pass.
The exam is so difficult
that he cannot pass.
So difficult is the exam

Try to rewrite the following sentences:

a. We cannot go travelling because there the virus outbreak is so serious.
 b. Europeans are racists so we should educate them.
c. Reading newspaper is effective so we should do it regularly.

4. Such a [n.] is [sth.] that…

Example 1
It was such an interesting book, so she read it twice.
It was such an interesting book she read it
that
Such an interesting book was it twice.

Mary is such a naughty student, so she loves cheating.

Mary is such a naughty student she loves
that
Such an interesting book was it cheating.

Try to rewrite the following sentences:

a. The coronavirus is such a disaster, so we cannot go out.
b. Reading newspaper is such an effective measure, so we should adopt it.
c. What he has done is such a good thing, so he gains considerable support.

5. Had It not been for [sth.], [sby.] would have p.p.

Example 1
Without
patients will die.
In the absence of
animal testing,
Had it not been
patients would have died.
But for

Example 2

Without I will not pass the exam with flying

In the absence of colours.
my hard work,

Had it not been I would not have passed the exam

But for with flying colours.

Try to rewrite the following sentences:

a. Without my rich general knowledge, I will not get the job.
b. Without the ridiculous leadership of the Labour Party, the Tories will not win
the election.
 c. Without the brainless candidate propose by the Kuomintang, the Democratic
Progressive Party will not win by a landslide.

6. Only when/ only if…

Example 1
The problem can only be solved when we have efficient collaboration.

Only when we have efficient collaboration can the problem be solved.

Example 2
The issue will only be discussed if we have mutual agreement.

Only if we have mutual agreement can the issue be discussed.

Try to rewrite the following sentences:

a. The problem will only be eased when take action now.
b. The phenome will only improve when we make a change now.
c. The status quos will only change if the Communist authorities take repressive
military and economic measures.