Презентация по теме "Инверсия в английском языке"

Inversion

Inversion is a grammatical construction:

• when some negative adverbial words and phrases are placed at the beginning of a sentence;
• The verb is placed before the subject, though the sentence is not a question.

Ex. We knew little what the day was to bring.- normal word order .

Little did we know what the day was to bring.- inverted word order.

The Usage of Inversion

• In formal speech
• To make a dramatic effect

Negative adverbial words and phrases we can put at the beginning of a sentence include:

• Hardly (when)

Ex. Hardly had we set out when the rain started.

• Barely (when)

Ex. Barely had we set out when the rain started.

• Scarcely (when)

Ex. Scarcely had we set out when the rain started.

• No sooner (then)

Ex. No sooner had we set out then the rain started.

• Never

Ex. Never have I been invited to such a big wedding party.

• Rarely

Ex. Rarely has the rate of unemployment been higher.

• Seldom

Ex. Seldom have I seen a more picturesque view.

• Not only (but also/too)

Ex. Not only did he come late, but he had also left behind his glasses.

• At no time

Ex. At no time did she admit she lost the documents.

• Under no circumstances

Ex. Under no circumstances must you open the safe.

• Little

Ex. Little did we know what the day was to bring.

• Only then

Ex. Only then did we remember we had not bought bread.

• Only after

Ex. Only after the quarrel did he understand how he loved her.

• Not until (the second verb is inverted)

Ex. Not until I got home did I realize that I had different socks on.

• (In) no way, at no time, on no account

Ex. No way am I going to wear that!-informal

• Clauses beginning with neither or nor

Ex. They have no intention of playing and neither have we.

Ex. We couldn’t face the customers and nor could the boss.

• In fixed expressions

Ex. So be it.

Long live the king!