Inversions

Inversions

• After negative expressions:
• Under no circumstances can we accept your present.
• In no way can he be made responsible for the mess.
• At no time did she say she would bake a cake.

• After expressions of place:
• Round the corner came the runners.
• On the doorstep was a pint of milk.

• Following ‘seldom’, ‘rarely’, ‘never’:
• Seldom have I seen such terrible students.
• Rarely did he pay attention to the teacher.
• Never had I felt so disappointed.

• Following ‘hardly’, ‘scarcely’, ‘no sooner’, ‘not until’.
• Hardly had I begun to use the computer when the lights went off.
• Scarcely had we started our exam when the fire alarm went off.
• No sooner had I arrived than they all started to sing “Happy birthday”.
• Not unless there is a problem do you need to notify me.

• Expressions with 'only' :
• Only after the class did I realise the importance of the passive.
• Only by paying attention in class could I learn.
• Not only does he talk in class but he ignores the instructions as well.

• Exclamations with 'here' & 'there' :
• Here comes the sun!
• There goes all my good intentions!