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ENGLISH  LESSONS

Inversion

Inversion means putting the verb before the subject.
 It is sometimes difficult to remember when inversion is used.  

Here are a few guidelines:
 

                         In normal everyday English, inversion is used : 

                              ► to make questions :       does he?   can you?   
                              ► after so, neither, nor :     so do I,  neither do I,  nor do I.

                         In written English, as well as in a very formal style, inversion is used in the following cases :

                              1.  ◊ After negative adverbial expressions :
                                      ▪ Under no circumstances can we accept cheques.
                                      ▪ In no way can he be held responsible.
                                      ▪ At no time did she say she would come.

                              2.  ◊ After adverbial expressions of place :
                                    ▪ Round the corner came the postman.
                                    ▪ On the doorstep was a bunch of flowers.

                              3.  ◊ After seldom, rarely, never, in comparisons :
                                     ▪ Seldom have I seen such a beautiful view.
                                     ▪ Rarely did he pay anyone a compliment.
                                     ▪ Never had I felt so happy.

                              4.  ◊ After hardly, scarcely, no sooner, when one thing happens after another.
                                     ▪ Hardly had I begun to speak when I was interrupted.
                                     ▪ Scarcely had we started our meal when the phone rang.
                                     ▪ No sooner had I arrived than they all started to argue.

                              5.  ◊ After adverbial expressions beginning with 'only'.
                                     ▪ Only after the meeting did I realize the importance of the subject.

                              6.  ◊ After exclamations with here and there.
                                      ▪ Here comes the winner!
                                      ▪ There goes all our money!

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