Inversion structuresForm:Introductory phrase or word (usually an adverbial e.g. never, no sooner)
Auxiliary verb (have, be, do or the existing modal e.g. can, will, should)
Invert the rest of that clause (change I have been to have I been)Pronunciation:More emphasis is placed on the introductory phrase and key content words(usually rise-fall, then rise-fall). Practice these with correct, opposite and flat intonation/stress.No sooner had they started watching the film, than the phone rang. / /
Never (before) have I heard such a noise. / /
Not only did she read the complete series of books, but (also) all of the films. / /
Use:Used correctly, inversion can add seriousness, drama and formality to what you are saying or writing, as well as sounding very good. It should be used sparingly, however, especially in speech, as overuse can sound stilted and ridiculous!*Activity identify the 3 parts of the form. Find and correct 3 mistakes:Never have I been so insulted!
Hardly I had stepped out of the door, when it started to rain.
No sooner had I got to work than I remembered I had left the documents at home.
Only after listening to Oasis properly did I discover how good they were.
I then went home. Only later/then did I realise that this had been a mistake.
Under no circumstances must/should/will you enter my room.
On no account must/should/will you strike my children.
On no condition are you to mention this deal outside this room.
At no time did I suspect that this was all a joke.
Not until I got home I started to cry.
Not were my friends infected by the disease, but also all their friends too.
Little did I know that it was me who was being hunted by the police.
