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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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