INVERSION IN ENGLISH 1. 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. 2. In written English, as well as in a very formal style, inversion is used in the following cases : - 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. - After adverbial expressions of place : Round the corner came the postman. On the doorstep was a bunch of flowers. - 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. - 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. - After adverbial expressions beginning with only : Only after the meeting did I realize the importance of the subject. - After exclamations with here and there : Here comes the winner! There goes all our money!
Posted on: Thu, 17 Jul 2014 10:57:48 +0000