Inversion and Emphasis
Inversion and Emphasis
Inversion and Emphasis
We can shape our use of English to add emphasis in a number of different contexts. For example,
to give strong advice, to express opinions clearly, to disagree, to show concern, to entertain. The list
is endless.
One of the most effective ways to make language more emphatic when using English is by inverting
a sentences regular word order. Emphasis in this way is often presented through written language
and is of a highly formal register. Lets take a look at the following sentence:
1) She had never seen such an impressive live performance
The sentence above displays a regular, relatively common word order in English. We have our
subject (She), followed by a negative verb form in the past (had never seen) and a modified object
(such an impressive live performance).
second example:
2) Never had she seen such an impressive live performance
Our second sentence clearly demonstrates a shift in the first examples word order. Never is what is
known as a Negative Adverbial. Above, Never has been taken away from the sentences main verb
phrase and inserted at the beginning. Additionally, the past auxiliary had is placed in front of the
subject, she.
The basic formula for transforming common sentences into more emphatic statements is as follows:
Negative Adverbial or Only/No Expression + Auxiliary or Modal Verb + Subject + Main Verb
+ Object
Other Negative Adverbials include: rarely, not since, hardly, never before, not until, little, at no
time etc.
No/Only Expressions include: under no circumstances, not only, no sooner, in no way, only
when etc.
I have played little tennis since I was a child
Little have I played tennis since I was a child
Fruit and vegetables are not only good for your health, but they are also extremely delicious
Not only are fruit and vegetables good for your health, but they are also extremely delicious
The cyclist was in no way held responsible for the recent accident
In no way was the cyclist held responsible for the recent accident
Inversion
(verb before the subject)
Inversion means putting the verb before the subject.
It is a literary technique in which the normal order of words is reversed, generally
for emphasis
or special effect. It makes a sentence sound striking or unusual. It also sounds
quite formal.
Sentences with inversion are less common in ordinary English.
In a sentence with no special effect or emphasis, the normal order of words is
retained.
Example 1 : I have never seen such a beautiful rose.
Example 2 : Never have I seen such a beautiful rose.
In example 2 inversion is used to emphasise the fact that in your whole lifetime
you have not seen such a beautiful rose.
It is sometimes difficult to remember when inversion is or can be used.
Here are some guidelines and examples to help you.
In normal everyday English, inversion is used :
Not until I heard my name did I believe I had won the race.
Not only was the car slow, it was also very uncomfortable.
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1.
2.
3.
If John had known that she liked curry, he would have brought her to an
Indian restaurant.
4.
5.
6.
The shop can in no way be held responsible for customers' lost property.
7.
The couple had no sooner arrived than the priest started the ceremony.
8.
Tom only understood the meaning of the comment when he saw his
wife's face.
9.
10.
She never at any time said that she was allergic to cats.
The restaurant cannot accept animals under any circumstances.
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Inversion
Sometines, we may invert the verb and subject of a phrase.
1.-Inversion is used with so and neither in short answers to agree with
something someone has just said.
A: I really enjoyed the play
B: So did I. Not: so I did.
Notice: you use so for answering a positive structure.
I dont have any money left / I havent got any money left.
Neither do I or I havent either.
You use neither to provide a short answer with a negative structure.
2.- Inversion is used with adverbs of negative to express surprise or emphasis.
This use is common in more formal or literary writing:
- not only did they steal the kitchen equipment but also the food from the
fridge / the food from the fridge too.
- Hardly had I opened the door than I notice a strange smell.
- no sooner had they left the flat than Mary rang to say she couldnt come.
- never / rarely / seldom had we witnessed such a terrible scene.
3.- with the 3rd conditional:
If we had known about his past, we wouldnt have gone to the police.
Had we known about his past, we wouldnt have gone to the police.
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