Inversion


Introduction

Inversion involves changing the position of the subject and auxiliary or modal verb.

We use inversion:

Examples

* Note that the inversion occurs in the main clause after expressions such as only after, only if, only when.

Further examples


Some common negative adverbials


Examples

* Note that a negative verb transforms as a positive verb when following a negative adverbial expression.

Practice

Transform the following sentences:

.
1)
You mustn't let the dog off its lead.
Under no circumstances    the dog off its lead.

 
2)
She had never been there.
At no time    there.

 
3)
I am hardly ever late for work.
Rarely    late for work.

 
4)
This is not acceptable.
In no way    acceptable.

 

Further practice

Choose the correct option a, b, c or d:
.
1)
Seldom ____ on holiday as children.
 

 

2)
Scarcely ____ the house when it started to rain.
 

 

3)
____ more hard-working, she would have a job.
 

 

4)
Out in the garden ____.
 

 

5)
On no account ____ the phone.
 

 

6)
Not only ____ but he was rude as well.
 

 


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