Inversions 2

Inversions
When we use certain words or expressions at the beginning of a sentence, we invert the
subject and the auxiliary verb. These structures are used in formal English, to add
emphasis.
Inversions
I have never seen such a beautiful Never have I seen such a beautiful
painting. painting.

We had no sooner arrived, than it was No sooner had we arrived, than it was
time to leave. time to leave.

*Note that than is used in the contrasting

clause.
Inversions
When we invert a sentence without an auxiliary verb, we add one.

He rarely goes out. → Rarely does he go out.

I only met him once. → Only once did I meet him.

We seldom have goods returned to us because they are faulty. → Seldom do we have
goods returned to us because they are faulty.
Inversions
We can also use inversion after were, had or should in conditional sentences.

If I were rich, I’d fly all over the world. → Were I rich, I’d fly all over the world.

If you had worked harder, you would have passed your exams.

Had you worked harder, you would have passed your exams.
Let’s do some practice
Complete each sentence with a phrase containing a suitable form of the verb in
brackets.

1. Should (need) you need anything, could you let me know?

2. Had the plane (take off) _________, everyone in it would have been killed.
3. Had (go) _________ to the doctor immediately, your daughter would not be so ill.
4. Never before (spend) ______ so much money on her daughter’s birthday.
5. Should (feel) ________ hungry, just call room service, and order a meal.
6. Had (take) _________ the necessary measures, this political crisis could have been
avoided.
7. Scarcely (get) _______ home when the police called us with news of Jessica.
Choose the correct word or phrase in each sentence.

1. Tanya promised that she would never/never would she tell anyone else.
2. Not until it was too late I remembered / did I remember to call Valeria.
3. Hardly had we settled down in our seats than/when the lights went out.
4. Only after checking three times I was /was I certain of the answer.
5. At not time I was aware/ was I aware of anything out of the ordinary.
6. Only Vanessa and Angel passed / did they pass the final examination.
7. No sooner had it stopped raining than/when the sun came out.
End The