EMPHASIS:

INVERSION
EMPHASIS
Inversion
Let’s explore together first. Look at these two examples.

1. Sarah has not only bought a cat, but also a

dog.
2. Not only has Sarah bought a cat, but also a
dog.

Both sentences are What happens to

in present perfect the word order of
simple. Which is the the auxiliary verb
auxiliary verb? and the subject?

They
In example 2,
become
What/who is the where in the
has inverted
subject of the sentence is the
sentences? negative
adverb/phrase?

At the
Sarah
beginning
We use inversion after certain negative adverbs or phrases like
this: Notice that with the simple
Notice the negative
tenses (present and past), we
words/phrases are all
have to add the auxiliary verb
at the beginning of the
before inverting. The main
sentence.
verb is then in the infinitive.

Negative adverbs Auxiliary Subject Main verb Complement

verb
Under no should you go out alone at night.
circumstances
Not only does she speak Spanish, but
also French.
At no time did they mention the exam
results.
Rarely does he eat pizza
Seldom has Thomas visited me.
No sooner had Sara arrived than I left.

Don’t forget to
consider...
Auxiliary verbs
All modal verbs are auxiliary verbs. E.g.
should, can, could, must, will, would,
etc.
In the simple tenses, the auxiliary verb
will always be do, does, or did.
The auxiliary verbs are the
‘grammatical’ verbs, like have/has in
the present perfect, or to be in the
passive voice or continuous structures.
E.g. I have been to France; Jonny was
arrested; they are dancing.
Things to remember
A not only phrase is usually completed
by but also. E.g. Not only did they eat all
the cake, but also the sandwiches!
Under no circumstances is usually
followed by the modal verb should. E.g.
Under no circumstances should you
come here.
It should always be no sooner...than.
This phrase is usually in the past
perfect.
E.g. No sooner had they opened than
the clients arrived.