Using Inverse Structure for Stronger Effect in Writing and Speaking

Inversion in English is a grammatical structure where the normal order of words is reversed, typically for emphasis or stylistic reasons.  Let's compare it to the form used when asking questions.

Using Inversion When Asking Questions

When asking questions, the verb or modal is first before the subject:

Statement:  She is waiting for us.   /   They like it   /   He went there   /   It has changed

Question:  Is she waiting for us?   /   Do they like it?   /  Did he go there?  /  Has it changed?

Practice:  change the following statements into question form by using an inverse structure and starting with a verb or modal (answers below exercise):

1. They fixed the problem  = 

2. She goes to the gym =

3. You have tried it  = 

4. He had already explained it  =

5. They were happy with the result  = 

Answers = 1. Did they fix the problem? 2. Does she go to the gym? 3. Have you tried it? 4. Had he already explained it? 5. Were they happy with the result?

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Inversion for Emphasis or Style in Statements

Inversion can also be used in statements for emphasis or stylistic effect.  Here are some common scenarios:

Low Frequency Adverbs (never, rarely, hardly/hardly ever, seldom, scarcely, barely):

• Normal Order:   I have never seen such a beautiful sunset.

• Inversion:  Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset.

2nd Conditional Sentences Using the "Be" Verb (imaginary present/future)

• Normal  Order:  If you were a citizen of the country, you would be able to vote in the election

• Inversion:  Were you a citizen of the country, you would be able to vote in the election.

3rd Conditional Sentences (imaginary past using past perfect tense):

• Normal Order:  If I had known, I would have helped.

• Inversion:  Had I known, I would have helped.

Not Only….But…  (emphasizing that two things are true, not just one thing)

• Normal Order:  He worked as a teacher at the school, and he also coached the basketball team.

• Inversion:  Not only did he work as a teacher at the school, but he also coached the basketball team.

No Sooner (immediately after)

• Normal Order:  Immediately after I mentioned his name, he showed up to the party.

• Inversion:  No sooner did I mention his name, he showed up to the party.

Neither/Nor (two things are both negative)

• Normal Order:  My girlfriend doesn’t like flying and I don’t either.

• Inversion:  My girlfriend doesn’t like flying and neither/nor do I.

Practice

Fill in the blank with the inverse structure needed to make the second sentence have the same meaning as the original sentence.

She almost never arrives to work on time.

Rarely does she arrive to work on time.

I can’t swim and my brother can’t swim either.

I can’t swim and neither _________________________ 

They hadn't seen such an amazing performance in their lives..

Never _________________ an amazing performance in their lives.

He didn’t take notes, so he forgot everything

Had ______________________ , he would have remembered everything

She has appeared in many movies, and she has performed on stage, too.

Not only _______________________ in many movies, but she has also performed on stage 

Immediately after I bought my ticket, the event was cancelled.

No sooner _________________________ my ticket, the event was cancelled.

If they were closer friends of mine, I would invite them.

____________________friends of mine, I would invite them.

Answers

1. I can’t swim and neither can my brother.

2. Never had they seen such an amazing performance in their lives.

3. Had he taken notes, he would have remembered everything

4. Not only has she appeared in many movies, but she has also performed on stage 

5. No sooner did I buy/had I bought my ticket, the event was cancelled.

6. Were they closer friends of mine, I would invite them.