Grammar Topic
Inversions: Formal and Emphatic Structures
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Explanation
Inversion means placing the auxiliary verb before the subject. It is used in formal and literary English for emphasis.
After negative adverbs: Never have I seen such beauty. Rarely does he arrive late. Hardly had she sat down when the phone rang. Not only did she win, but she also broke the record. No sooner had we left than it started raining.
Conditional inversion (omitting 'if'): Had I known (= If I had known), I would have helped. Were I you (= If I were you), I would apologize. Should you need help (= If you should need help), please call.
So/Such for agreement: 'I love tea.' 'So do I.' 'She is a doctor.' 'So is her sister.'
Negative phrases at start: Seldom does he complain. Under no circumstances should you open this door.
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Examples
Negative adverbs: Never have I seen such beauty. Rarely does he arrive late. Hardly had she arrived when the phone rang. Not only did she win, but she also broke the record. No sooner had we left than it started raining. Little did he know what was coming.
Conditional inversion: Had I known, I would have helped. Were I you, I would apologize. Should you need help, please call.
So/Neither for agreement: I love tea. So do I. She doesn't like coffee. Neither do I. He is a doctor. So is his wife.
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