Negative inversion

A. Rewrite the sentences without inverted phrases. Make any

changes that are necessary
1. Not only did Mandy do a course in aromatherapy but she
became a professional too.
2. So unable to cope was she after losing her husband that she
sought professional help.
3. At no time during the exam should you try to cheat.
4. Hardly had she got back from her business trip when she
had to go on another one in Asia.
5. Should you see Hannah, tell her to phone me.
6. Such was the response to the advertisement that they had
to launch the product on the market a month earlier.

B. Rewrite the sentences using inverted phrases.

1. I didn’t seek help for my project at any time.
2. I’d only just got of hospital when I was involved in a car
accident.
3. I didn’t realize it would be so hard to cope with all the extra
work.
4. I began to relax once the unwanted visitors had left.
5. She didn’t feel happy until she had moved abroad.

C. Complete the sentences with a word or phrase. Use

inversion where possible.
1. No sooner ………………………..phoned the police than Laura
arrived home, much to our relief!
2. So determined …………………not to give up that he took pills to
keep him awake.
3. Never ……………..such a poor excuse for missing a lecture.
 4. When I first met James, little…….he would become such an
important part of my life.
5. At no time during the presentation…….how nervous she was.
6. Not only ……..Mike’s advice to take up Tai Chi, but I decided
to become an instructor too.

D. Choose the correct alternative

1. Only after she had / had she consulted a therapist did she
begin to take control of her life again
2. On no account should you / you should take those pills
without consulting a doctor.
3. Rarely she has / has she shown such kindness to a total
stranger.
4. Not until had he / he had left did I realize how upset I was.
5. No sooner had they launched / did they launch the new
perfume than customers began complaining about getting
some allergic reactions.