Report on the topic:
INVERSION IN ENGLISH SENTENCE
Marina Konstantinovna Kozyreva
The relevance of studying the structure of modern English is very high, because understanding the structure of a foreign language is one of the most important aspects in its study, because all languages are different in their morphological and syntactic structure.
This topic is of great interest from the point of view of pragmatic use and the study of various features of inversion in English language. The pragmatic features of inversion in English are a little-studied area, but relevant for the implementation of the emotional-expressive component of communication. The relevance of this work lies in the fact that its results can be used in the study of the English language and for understanding its structure and syntax within a single sentence.
Language is the most important means of communication, but even when we talk to each other (verbal communication), we accompany our speech with gestures, postures, facial expressions (non-verbal communication). With the help of non-verbal communication, we often focus on a particular phrase, on a particular message. It works like this and inversion , she, as it were, highlights, puts in the first place, brings forward more significant, what I want to emphasize, what we emphasize. That is, often inversion conveys our emotion or mood. Thus, we can argue that communication goals change word order.
In inflectional languages, such as Russian, where relationships between words are realized with the help of morphemes, the communicative principle of word placement plays a major role in determining word order. (V. Mathesius) There are two stress positions in a sentence: at the beginning and at the end. (O. Jespersen) Thus, in inflectional languages, the writer or speaker places the communicatively significant part of the sentence either in the initial or in the final position.
In analytic languages such as English, the grammatical principle comes forward. (V Mathesius) Word order in English is grammatically fixed. The English sentence has solid word order: subject, predicate, object, circumstance.
The grammatical function of inversion.
V.G. Admoni, highlighting the emotional function of word order as an independent one, sees the main meaning in creating an increased emotional content of syntactic unities, which is achieved, in his opinion, by a “changed” (shifted) form of the original word order. The opposition of the concepts "original" and "changed" as a deviation from the norm is found in the works of many authors, which should be explained by the tradition associated with the idea of European rationalism. The syntax of a natural language constantly comes into conflict with iconic norms, which indicates not a violation of norms, but that the “norms” are imperfect. Modern English grammars are beginning to avoid dividing word order into normal and abnormal.
Galperin I.R. in his work “Essays on the Stylistics of the English Language” defines the functions of science dealing with everything “unusual, different and extraordinary”: what we call "neutral" form of presentation".
Inversion, being a "deviation from the norm," is precisely the subject of study of stylistics. Stylistics considers its effect in speech. Grammar also considers inversion, in turn, as a violation of the grammatical rules of sentence structure. The grammar describes which of the members of the sentence is “promoted, highlighted”, and the style describes what effect the promotion of this particular member of the sentence will give.
"Indeed, the problem of inversion is considered both in grammar and in style." So a construction like “Only then have I made up my mind to go there” is called stylistic inversion in grammar courses and grammatical inversion in stylistics. Apparently, therefore, it is very difficult to call some obvious grammatical violations mistakes. Since they have a place to be, they can be called "deviations". Grammar in this case must take into account the style and functions of its subordinates.
Most stylists agree that "... deviations from the norm should not be regarded as errors." It is believed that it is in this kind of deviations, based on the living processes of the language, that the individual creative manner of the author is sometimes hidden. If such a deviation is often used in the individual artistic style of different writers, it can be gradually typified, gaining the right to exist in style language, and then in the development of certain and firm norms for the use of such deviations, and in the field grammar. Therefore, "a clear demarcation line between grammatical and stylistic in syntax is difficult, and sometimes impossible."
Syntactic design urgently requires an appropriate interpretation, otherwise the device itself loses its quality. In a truly artistic work, the use of inversion is always motivated by the purpose of the utterance.
Inversion in modern English can have different cases of placement of sentence members. We will use the description of how to place the members of the proposal for I.R. Galperin:
First: the addition is placed at the beginning of the sentence:
Anybody here to dinner, Warmson?(J. Galsworthy)
Second: the definition follows the defined (the postposition of the definitions), for example: with fingers weary and worn (Th . Hood )
Third: a) the nominal part of the predicate stands before the subject: A good generous prayer it was (Twain)
Fourth: the circumstance comes before the subject of the sentence: Eagerly I wished the morrow (Poe)
My dearest daughter at your feet I fall.(dryden)
Fifth: the circumstance and the predicate are before the subject of the sentence:
In went Mr. Pickwick (Dickens)
Down dropped the breeze. (coleridge)
There, were gathered the three girls and Dartie.(J. Galsworthy)
All of the above cases of inversion in English can perform its various functions.
In the above examples, the inversion, firstly, performs the function grammatical, as it violates the "neutral" structure of the language. Grammar considers these cases of “unusual” arrangement of members of the English sentence, that is, it registers these “deviations”, describes which “unusual” member of the sentence is in which “unusual” place in comparison with the rules for the arrangement of members of the sentence in English grammar. As we mentioned above, such grammatical "deviations" cannot be called errors. Grammar is intended only to fix them, describe and name the positions of the members of the sentence with grammatical definitions.
Emotional-evaluative function of inversion.
I When highlighting the subject.
1. Predictable, expressed by an intransitive verb (to be, to live, to remain, to stand, to lie, to come, to run it. etc.), full inversion is used;
a) In sentences with introductory there (usually with the verb to be):
There is nothing there (J. Steinbeck). There came repeated knocking at the door (H. Wells).
b) In sentences without an introductory there (usually beginning with a place adjective):
In the corner stood table set for three (A. Cronin).
Beside me sat a man (S. Leacock).
On the table stood the silver-mounted brushes and bottles from her dressing bag, his own present.
2. In elliptical constructions with so and neither, the purpose of which is to refer the content of the predicate of the previous sentence to another subject (subject), partial inversion is used:
Bill was tired after the bull-fight. So was I (E. Hemingway).
Strange is the heart of woman (S. Leacock).
Terrible it had been! (K. Mansfield).
II When highlighting additions and circumstances.
Additions and circumstances are put in the first place:
a) So value:
Negatives: never , nowhere , not a word, etc.
Constraints: with particle only .
Gain: many a time, etc.
I looked in all directions.., but no house could I make out(Ch. Dickens).
Never had he read fiction with such keen zest as he studied those books (J. London).
Everything was always in its place, and nowhere could you see a speck of dust (S. Maugham).
Only by a jerkiness in his movements and by the scuffing of his heels could it be seen that he was old (J. Steinbeck).
Only as he closed the door did he remember he had said nothing of his decision (J. Lindsay).
Little did we think that we were never to see him again (Ch. Dickens).
There had Irene been present/ the family circle would have been complete. ( J. Galsworthy)
Many bargains had he picked up there (J. Galsworthy).
Many a time in the course of that week did I bless the good fortune (R. Kipling).
b) Adverbs that express the direction of movement and are components of verb combinations like to go out, to come in. Putting them in first place brings the meaning of impetuous movement, swift or unexpected action.
In this case, complete inversion takes place if the subject is expressed by a noun; it is absent if the subject is expressed by a pronoun:
Up went the steps, bang went the door, round whirled the wheels, off they rattled(Ch. Dickens).
METHODS OF SENSITIVE SUBJECT DISTRIBUTION
Inversion in order to highlight the subject is used in modern English only in a limited number of cases, only with the following content of the sentence: "under certain conditions (place or time) there is (was, will be) this or that object." This item is new, the main one in meaning (cf. in Russian: “There was a table in the corner”, “There were a lot of people in the room”):
Never lost a moment.
On the looking-glass were lists of definitions and pronunciations (J. London).
with them was Brett (E. Hemingway).
The predicate in such sentences is expressed by an intransitive verb expressing the form of existence:
Genesis: to be, to live, to remain;
position in space : to lie, to sit, to hang, to stand;
Traffic : to run, to move, to follow, to pass, to flow, to fly, to arise, to gallop, to creep, to rush it. P.
Emergence, occurrence, development : to arrive, to come, to enter, to emerge.
In the adjoining room lived a woman and six children (J. London). Such was his own account at Randalls (J. Austen). Beside me sat a man (S. Leacock). Over it hung a violin without strings (J. Aldridge). Below the house ran a little stream (P. Abrahams). Then arose a young man, Theobald Smith (P. De Kruif).
Sometimes the predicate in such sentences is expressed by a passive verb: Behind the cart was tied a retriever (H. Lawson).
The first element of the construction (circumstance) is sometimes missing:
Camea beautiful fall day, warm and languid (J. London). Followeda complete and deathlike silence(K. Mansfield).
The subject is distinguished by inversion also in elliptic constructions beginning with so and nei ther, the purpose of which is to refer the content of the predicate of the previous sentence to another subject:
The little passage was empty and so was the kitchen (P. Abrahams). "I hate to leave our fine house." "So do I" (E. Hemingway). Isabel was not economical. Neither... was George Augustus (R. Aldington).
Construction with introductory there (is )
The construction with the introducing there asserts the presence (or absence) of some object (objects) under certain conditions (in a given place, at a given time in certain circumstances):
There was a pencil on the table (S. Maugham). There was Mr. bosinney with her (J. Galsworthy). When the art student came the following week there wasa drawing on the table that had a slight resemblance to the vase. (R. Goldberg). Day after day, a vast heavy veil had been driving over London from the East, and it drove still, as if in the Eastthere was eternity of cloud and wind. (Ch. Dickens). There is someone down there, is there not. (Ch. Dickens).
There is nothing the matter? ( Ch. Dickens ). There's no one low ( Ch. Dickens ). Still, however, you have found me out,there must be something good feeling that has brought you here. ( Ch. Dickens ). There ought to have been some guardian or such-like , while you were a minor. ( Ch. Dickens ). There was a great mystery about it. (Mark Twain). They headed for a certain tree that Dick knew well, and they sat down to think, because his legs were trembling under him andthere was cold fear at the pit of his stomach. (Rudyard Kipling). I heard you ask Mr Hushabye at dinner whetherthere are any nice houses to let down here. (George Bernard Shaw). There is a train at four. (J. Galsworthy).There are various kinds of shocks : to the vertebrae; to the nerves; to moral sensibility; and, more potent and permanent, to personal dignity. (J. Galsworthy).There was a Jewish trader called Cohen, who had come by one of Strickland's pictures in a singular way. (Maugham). There's money to be made. (Maugham).
Subject always costs under accent. It always follows the verb-predicate (inversion), usually the goal to be, but it can also (rarely) be one of the others. intransitive verbs. The forms of the person and number of the verb are always guided by the word that expresses the subject:
There is a fine view from here (J. Galsworthy).
There were circles, under her eyes as though she had not slept (J. Galsworthy). Over the edge there peeped boyish face(A. Conan Doyle).
The subject after the introducing there can be expressed not only by a noun, but also by a negative pronoun, a pronominal phrase, and occasionally a complex:
There's nothing like Yarmouth (J. Galsworthy).
There was something terrifying m this inexorable silence (J. Galsworthy).
There's a storm gathering out there on the sea-rim (J. London).
In most cases, a noun in a construction with an introductory there is used with an indefinite article or without an article. The use of the definite article, however, is not excluded. Wed:
There was harmony between father and son again and the old understanding (PI Abrahams).
Often the use of the definite article in such cases is stylistically determined, which is reflected in the translation:
There was the long drive home; the long drive and the warm dark and the pleasant closeness of the hansom cab (J. Galsworthy)."Because of the same long way, still the same road, and the familiar pleasant crampedness of the cab."
UNUSUAL PLACE OF DIRECT COMPLEMENT IN THE OFFER
The place of the direct object in English is not absolutely fixed: in some cases, the direct object may come before the subject at the beginning of the sentence, it may also follow the circumstance.
DIRECT OBJECT BEFORE SUBJECT AT THE BEGINNING OF A SENTENCE WITHOUT ANY SPECIFIC ADDITION
The direct object is at the beginning of the sentence due to its connection with the previous sentence or with the previous context, that is, it repeats what is already known from the previous presentation ("what is being said"):
Not decided on a letter. This letter he addressed to Cork Street (J. Galsworthy).
This he promised at once (Th. Dreiser).
DIRECT OBJECT AT THE BEGINNING OF A SENTENCE, SEMANTICALLY SEPARATED
An addition (with definitions, less often without them) can stand before the main members of the sentence without repeating the previous statement; at the same time, it is also highlighted intonation (stress), and sometimes with amplifying words (such, rather, etc.):
a) Without inversion (the subject comes before the predicate):
Lovely voice she had, and once or twice he had made her laugh (J. Priestley). Many delightful things he showed her (J. Galsworthy). Such a color she had this morning!(J. Galsworthy).
b) With partial inversion:
Many bargains had he picked up there (J. Galsworthy). Such was his own account at Randalls . (J. Austen) At the same time, along with word order, special stylistic devices (repetitions, oppositions, etc.) are often used, always in combination with a certain intonation:
Food I got, but light and air - no (J. Galsworthy).
Mr. Brindley they appeared to see, but evidently I made no impression on their retinas (A. Bennett).
In the last example, Mr. Brindley (object) is contrasted with I (subject of the next sentence): the opposition is achieved by an unusual word order in the first sentence (the object is brought to the first place).
DIRECT SUPPLEMENT AT THE END OF A SENTENCE AFTER CIRCUMSTANCES
The addition may come after the circumstance; The final position of the object highlights it in the sentence; at the same time, the highlighted word (complement) can be extended by a detailed post-positive definition:
Didn't take out of his portmanteau framed picture, carefully wrapped up (E. Voynkh).
In addition to word order, semantic stress can serve as a means of highlighting an addition in a sentence (in writing, such an addition is indicated in italics):
What are you belting me for? (M. Twain). “And why are you flogging me?”
Circumstances of time and (rarely) places can also be placed at the beginning of a sentence; in this case, circumstances indicate the starting point of thought
a) Without highlighting the subject:
At five o "clock the following day, Old Jolyon sat alone (J. Galsworthy). There we stored provisions (O. Henry).
6) With the selection of the subject (full inversion):
in the corner stood a table set for three (A. Cronin).
WAYS OF SEMINARIZING A CIRCUMSTANCE IN A SENTENCE
Highlighting the circumstance of internal features in a sentence, as a rule, is expressed by its unusual location:
a) The circumstance can be highlighted by placing it in the first place in the sentence, if the circumstance expresses a negation or an enhanced restriction. At the same time, a partial inversion always takes place in the sentence:
Never had he read fiction with such keen zest (J. London). Little did we think that we were never to see him again (Ch. Dickens).
b) The circumstance of the mode of action can be distinguished by placing it in the first place in the sentence, often with intonational isolation:
And brightly and innocently she greeted him (R. Greenwood). Very rapidly these ideas bore fruit (H. Wells). Slowly, Old Jolyon got up out of the chair (J. Galsworthy).
c) Of particular note are the cases of emphatic allocation of adverbs with the meaning of the direction of movement (on, off, away, up, down, around). Putting such adverbs in the first place creates the impression of a sharp, impetuous movement
Down flew the bat (O. Wilde). "Oh!" said June, and out she went (J. Galsworthy).
In modern English, of all significant verbs, only to have is used in interrogative sentences with complete inversion, that is, without the auxiliary verb do:
Have I your permission, Adolphus, to invite my own husband to my own house?(B. Shaw).
In colloquial speech, however, there is a tendency to use the auxiliary do with the verb to have:
"What kind of job does he have at Cambridge?" Erik asked. "He doesn't have any job" (M. Wilson).
b) In non-union clauses of the condition, if the predicate is expressed by the verb in the subjunctive mood or conjunctiva, partial inversion is used:
Had he been there...
Thus, we found out that the role of inversion is great, although it is considered differently from the point of view of style and grammar; also determined its functions, how inversion is involved in the organization of emotionally expressive sentences and identified all types of inversion statements and analyzed them.
Inversion is the use of the reverse order of words in a sentence in order to enhance the effect. Today we will look at inversion in English.
In an affirmative English sentence, the subject comes first and then the verb. But if we want to emphasize what we said, we can change the word order to create an effect.
Never have I ever
As a rule, to say that we have never done something, we use the Present Perfect with its standard word order: Noun + have / has + never + done (Ved or V3). But when we want to create an emphatic amplification to say something like "Yes, I've never done that in my life!", Inversion comes to the rescue to create this effect. In this case, our sentence will look like this: "Never have I ever done ....!"
We offer to consider an example of using this type of inversion in the popular Ellen DeGeneres show. In America, the game “I never” is very popular, which they call Never Have I Ever. And so Ellen and the guests of the show decided to play it. Let's see what came out of it:
As you can see, the very name of the game already uses inversion. The first question goes like this:
Never have I ever sexted.
If you remember, we analyzed the word 'sexting' in one of our collections of modern English vocabulary (you can read the article). It means to send intimate messages to someone.
It's funny that all the participants, including Martha Stewart, held up signs saying 'I have'. Ellen decided to ask Martha if she knew what the word actually meant:
Martha, you've sexted? Do you know what that is? - Martha, did you send intimate messages? Do you know what 'sexted' means?
I have used technology for a lot longer than you have, Ellen. “I've been using technology for a lot longer than you, Ellen.
The same type of inversion can be created using the words seldom, rarely, and little.
For example:
Rarely have I watched such cool movies! - I rarely watch such cool films!
In this case, the inversion emphasizes how good film you managed to watch, that is, it helps you express your emotions from viewing more vividly.
Creating a negative circumstantial turn: inversion after under no circumstances, in no way, not until
If instead of “you should not do this”, we want to say “under no circumstances do this”, that is, we need to emphasize that a person should not act in one way or another in any case, again, inversion will come to the rescue .
To create such a sentence, we can use the following expressions: under no circumstances (under no circumstances), in no way (by no means), not until (not yet).
For example, compare 2 sentences:
— You shouldn't call Tom under no circumstances! You shouldn't call Tom under any circumstances.
Under no circumstances should you call Tom! Under no circumstances should you call Tom.
Agree, the second sentence, with inversion, sounds more impressive.
To build such a sentence, we first use the words circumstances: under no circumstances, in no way, not until. Then the auxiliary verb (if any) is should, can, and so on. And only after that - the subject.
Let's take another example as an example:
I can't tell you what I'm planning for the weekend until I confirm the plan with Michael.
I can't tell you what I'm planning for the weekend until I've finalized the plan with Michael.
With inversion:
Not until I confirm the plan with Michael, can I tell you what I'm planning for the weekend. “Until I agree on a plan with Michael, I can’t tell you what I’m planning for this weekend.
In the second sentence, we emphasize that we cannot say a word until we talk to Michael. That is, this sentence sounds more uncompromisingly in English. If you translate it into Russian less literally, but in such a way as to emphasize the essence, then it could sound like this: “Yes, I won’t tell you about the plans until I agree everything with Michael.”
Inversion in compound sentences that begin with hardly, scarcely, no sooner, nothing, not only
If you want to give an emotional color to what was said, for example, if you just started doing something, how your action was interrupted by something, it is appropriate to use the inverse word order. For example:
Hardly had I started reading a book, he asked me to wash the dishes.
As soon as I started reading the book, he asked me to wash the dishes.Scarcely had I sat to learn English, she called me.
As soon as I sat down to learn English, she called me.
Inversion with only and not only
Also, inversion can be used after only and not only. To understand how such an inversion is created, we suggest watching a scene from the Breaking Bad series:
It turns out that not only is the money not from your mother, she didn't even know that you have cancer.
It turned out that not only was it not your mother's money, she didn't even know you had cancer.
A standard sentence would start something like this: It turns out that it’s not only the money…
However, often in such inverse sentences, only and not only are placed at the beginning of the sentence. Like in this example:
You can only shoot at the Kleenex (meaning the napkin).
Had I + V+ed
This type of inversion is quite common. It is used to create a conditional sentence without the if word. For example, for some reason you turned down a good job, but after a while you realized that it was a mistake. You can say this using a normal mixed conditional:
If I had accepted that offer, I would live better.
If I had accepted that offer, I would have lived better.
But then it will sound just like a dry fact. If you want to emphasize your emotions, it is better to use inversion:
Had I accepted that offer, I would live better.
In this case, the sentence has a stronger emotional coloring and can be translated as follows:
If only I had accepted that offer, I would have lived better.
To create this effect, we simply, instead of using "if", put the auxiliary verb had first, then the subject and the verb with the addition of the ending ed or from the third column of irregular verbs.
For example, here is a scene from the series Emerald City", where this construction is used:
Well, had I known…You couldn't have.
If only I knew...
You couldn't...
Here the hero uses inversion to emphasize his regret.
Turnover It is / was ... that / who / whom
This type of inversion is also used for emotional highlighting. For example, when you need to emphasize that a certain action was performed by a specific person, or you want to emphasize a certain place. In Russian, instead of this turnover, we would use the word "precisely." Let's look at a few examples of such inversion by examples.
Imagine the situation that in the morning you saw your friend, Ann, near the store. But, for example, the person to whom you tell that you saw her does not believe you, because he has information that this acquaintance is in another city. But you know for sure that you saw her, and you want to emphasize this, express your confidence. Then in English you could say it like this:
It was Ann, whom I saw by that shop.
It was Ann who I saw outside that store!
Thus, you emphasize your confidence.
Or you want to emphasize that you saw Ann near a particular store, then using inversion you can say this:
It was by that shop, where I saw Ann.
It was near that store that I saw Ann.
Here is another example of using such an inversion:
In fact, I was the one who killed Superman.
In this article, we have analyzed examples of inversion in English that are most common. You should know them at least in order to be able to recognize them in someone else's speech, and not be confused when you hear an unusual word order in an English sentence. At first, these designs may seem very unusual and incomprehensible. Try to come up with your own examples of using inverse sentences, and then this topic will no longer cause you any difficulties.
Standard word order in English declarative sentences is first the subject, then the verb. (See in the section Grammar.)
Lena went to the park yesterday.
I am reading a book now.
This story is rather long.
She has found her keys.
Changing standard word order is called "inversion" (inverted word order; inverse word order). Inversion in English usually refers to placing the auxiliary, modal, or main verb before the subject. Inversion is used with a certain aim, often for emphasis. For example:
Never before have I seen such beauty.
There may be another problem.
Away ran the witch and the monster.
The words "standard word order; normal word order; ordinary word order" (that is, first the subject, then the verb) do not mean that inverted word order (that is, first the verb, then the subject) is incorrect or abnormal .
Standard word order and inverted word order have different uses. For example, inverted word order is necessary in questions, which means that inverted word order is normal word order for questions.
It is advisable for language learners to avoid using most of the emphatic inverted constructions described below. It is necessary to understand inversion, but it is better to use standard, ordinary word order in your own speech and writing.
Cases of inversion that you really need to use in your speech include questions, the construction "there is, there are", sentences beginning with "here" or "there", and responses like "So do I; Neither do I". Examples of other inverted constructions are given here in two variants for comparison of inverted and standard word order.
Note that English inversion may not always be reflected in Russian translation.
Typical cases of inversion
Inversion in questions
The most common type of inversion in English consists in moving the auxiliary verb into the position before the subject. This type of inversion is most often used in questions. For example:
Did Lena go to the park yesterday?
Has she found her keys?
Will he come to the party?
Is this story long?
How long is this story?
(For more examples of questions, see in the section Grammar.)
Construction "there is, there are"
Inversion is required in the construction "there is, there are" and in cases where a modal verb or a main verb is used in such constructions.
There is an interesting article about Spain in today's paper.
There are several books on the table.
There must be a reason for it.
There can be no doubt about it.
There exist several theories on this matter.
Once upon a time, there lived an old man in a small house by the sea.
Inversion after "here" and "there"
Inversion takes place in sentences beginning with the adverb "here" or "there". Some phrases beginning with "here" or "there" have an idiomatic character.
Here is the book you asked for.
Here comes the sun.
Here comes my bus.
Here comes your friend.
There is my sister!
There goes the bell.
There goes my money!
If the subject of the sentence beginning with "here" or "there" is expressed by a personal pronoun, the verb is placed after the subject.
Here it is. Here you are. Here you go.
There you are. There you go.
Here he comes. There he goes.
Here I am. There she is.
Here we go again.
Constructions with "so" and "neither"
Inversion is required in responses like "So do I" and "Neither do I". (See in the section Phrases.)
I like coffee. - So do I.
I don't like coffee. - Neither do I.
She will wait for them. – So will I.
She won "t wait for them. - Neither will I.
Inversion is also required in compound sentences with such constructions.
I like coffee, and so does Ella.
I don't like coffee, and neither does Ella.
She will wait for them, and so will I.
She won't wait for them, and neither will I.
Conditional sentences
Inversion is required in the subordinate clause of conditional sentences in which the subordinating conjunction "if" is omitted. If the conjunction "if" is used, inversion is not used. Compare these conditional sentences in which inverted word order and standard word order are used.
Should my son call, ask him to wait for me at home. – If my son should call, ask him to wait for me at home. If my son calls, ask him to wait for me at home.
Were I not so tired, I would go there with you. - If I weren "t so tired, I would go there with you.
Had I known it, I would have helped him. – If I had known it, I would have helped him.
(See "Absence of IF" in in the section Grammar.)
Inversion after direct speech
Inversion takes place in constructions with verbs like "said, asked, replied" placed after direct speech.
"I'll help you," said Anton.
"What's the problem?" asked the driver.
"I lost my purse," replied the woman.
If the subject of such constructions is expressed by a personal pronoun, the verb is usually placed after the subject.
"Thank you for your help," she said.
"Don't mention it," he replied.
Note: Many examples of inverted constructions like "said he; said she; said I" (used interchangeably with "he said; she said; I said" after direct speech) can be found in literary works of the past centuries. For example: "I am not afraid of you," he said, smilingly. (Jane Austen) "Where is the Prince?" he said. (Charles Dickens) "That's a fire," said I. (Mark Twain)
If verbs like "said, asked, replied" are used in compound tense forms, or if there is a direct object after "ask", inversion is not used. For example: "I"ll help you," Anton will say. "What"s the problem?" the driver asked her.
Standard word order is also used in constructions with verbs like "said, asked, replied" placed after direct speech, especially in American English. For example: "I"ll help you," Anton said. "What"s the problem?" the driver asked.
If verbs like "said, asked, replied" stand before direct speech, inversion is not used. For example: Nina said, "Let's go home."
Inversion in exclamatory sentences
Inversion is sometimes used for emphasis in exclamatory sentences. Compare inverted and standard word order in the following exclamatory sentences.
Oh my, am I hungry! - I'm so hungry!
Oh boy, was she mad! – She was so mad!
Have we got a surprise for you! - We "ve got a surprise for you!"
May all your wishes come true!
How beautiful are these roses! – How beautiful these roses are!
Inversion depending on the beginning of the sentence
The following cases of inversion occur when some parts of the sentence, for example, the adverbial modifier of place or direction, come at the beginning of the sentence. Inversion in such cases consists in moving the auxiliary verb, and in some cases the main verb (i.e., the whole tense form), into the position before the subject.
Such types of inversion are used for emphasis, mostly in literary works. It is advisable for language learners to use standard word order in such cases. The examples below are given in pairs: Inverted word order – Standard word order.
Inversion after "so", "such", "as"
So unhappy did the boy look that we gave him all the sweets that we had. – The boy looked so unhappy that we gave him all the sweets that we had.
Such was her disappointment that she started to cry. – Her disappointment was so strong that she started to cry.
Owls live in tree hollows, as do squirrels. – Owls and squirrels live in tree hollows.
As was the custom, three fighters and three shooters were chosen.
Inversion after adjectives and participles
Gone are the days when he was young and full of energy. – The days when he was young and full of energy are gone.
Blessed are the pure in heart.
Beautiful was her singing. – Her singing was beautiful.
Inversion after adverbial modifiers of place
Right in front of him stood a huge two-headed dragon. – A huge two-headed dragon stood right in front of him.
In the middle of the road was sitting a strange old man dressed in black. – A strange old man dressed in black was sitting in the middle of the road.
Behind the mountain lay the most beautiful valley that he had ever seen. – The most beautiful valley that he had ever seen lay behind the mountain.
Inversion after postpositions
The doors opened, and out ran several people. – Several people ran out when the doors opened.
Up went hundreds of toy balloons. – Hundreds of toy balloons went up.
If the subject is expressed by a personal pronoun, the verb is placed after the subject.
Are you ready? Off we go!
Out he ran. – He ran out.
Note: Direct object at the beginning of the sentence
Direct object is sometimes placed at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis. In such cases, the subject usually stands after the object, and the predicate follows the subject; that is, inverted word order is generally not used if the object is moved. compare:
That we don't know. - We don't know that.
Those people I can ask. – I can ask those people.
Red dresses Lena doesn't like. - Lena doesn't like red dresses.
Inversion in negative constructions
Inversion is required in negative sentences beginning with the following negative adverbs and adverbial phrases: never; never before; not only...but also; not until; no sooner; at no time; on no account; under no circumstances.
Inversion also takes place in sentences beginning with the following adverbs and adverbial phrases used in a negative sense: rarely; seldom; hardly; scarcely; little; only when; only after; only then.
Inverted negative constructions are used for emphasis, mostly in formal writing and in literary works.
If you don't need or don't want to use emphatic inverted negative constructions, don't put the above-mentioned expressions at the beginning of the sentence.
Compare the following examples of inverted and standard word order in sentences with such negative constructions. The first sentence in each group has inverted order of words.
Examples:
Never before have I felt such fear. – I have never felt such fear before.
Never in his life had he seen a more repulsive creature. – He had never seen a more repulsive creature in his life.
Not only did he spill coffee everywhere, but he also broke my favorite vase. – He not only spilled coffee everywhere but also broke my favorite vase.
Not only was the princess strikingly beautiful, but she was also extremely intelligent. – The princess was not only strikingly beautiful but also extremely intelligent.
Not until much later did I understand the significance of that event. – I understood the significance of that event much later.
No sooner had she put down the phone than it started to ring again. – As soon as she put down the phone, it started to ring again. The phone started to ring again as soon as she put down the receiver.
At no time should you let him out of your sight. – You should not let him out of your sight at any time. Don't let him out of your sight even for a second.
Under no circumstances can she be held responsible for his actions. – She cannot be held responsible for his actions.
Rarely have I seen such a magnificent view. – I have rarely seen such a magnificent view.
Seldom do we realize what our actions might lead to. – We seldom realize what our actions might lead to.
Little did he know what his fate had in store for him. – He did not know what his fate had in store for him.
Hardly had I stepped into the house when the light went out. – I had hardly stepped into the house when the light went out.
Scarcely had he said it when the magician appeared. – He had scarcely said it when the magician appeared.
Only when I arrived at the hotel did I notice that my travel bag was missing. – I noticed that my travel bag was missing only when I arrived at the hotel.
Only after my guest left did I remember his name. - I remembered my guest "s name only after he left.
Inversion
The standard word order in English declarative sentences is subject first, then verb. (See "Basic Word Order" in the Grammar section.) For example:
Lena went to the park yesterday.
I am reading a book now.
This story is quite long.
She found her keys.
Changing the standard word order is called "inversion" (reverse word order). Inversion in English usually means placing an auxiliary, modal, or main verb before the subject. Inversion is used for a specific purpose, often for emphatic amplification. For example:
I have never seen such beauty before.
There may be another problem.
The witch and the monster fled away.
The words are “standard word order; normal word order; normal word order" (i.e., subject first, then verb) do not mean that reverse word order (i.e., verb first, then subject) is wrong or abnormal.
Standard word order and reverse word order have different uses. For example, reverse word order is required in questions, which means reverse word order is the normal word order for questions.
Note:
It is advisable for language learners to avoid using most of the reversed word order emphatic constructions described below. It is necessary to understand inversion, but in its oral and writing it is better to use the standard, regular word order.
Inversions that you really need to use in your speech include questions, "there is, there are", sentences beginning with "here" or "there", and response phrases like "So do I; Neither do I" . Examples of other reverse word order constructions are given here in two versions to compare reverse and standard word order.
Please note that the English inversion may not always be reflected in the Russian translation.
Typical cases of inversion
Inversion in questions
The most common type of inversion in English is to move the auxiliary verb before the subject. This type of inversion is most often used in questions. For example:
Did Lena go to the park yesterday?
Did she find her keys?
Is he coming to the party?
Is this story long?
How long is this story?
(For more sample questions, see "Word Order in Questions" in the Grammar section.)
The construction "there is, there are"
Inversion is required in the construction "there is, there are", as well as in cases where the modal verb or the main verb is used in such constructions.
There is an interesting article about Spain in today's newspaper.
There are several books on the table.
There must be a reason for this.
There can be no doubt about this.
There are several theories on this matter.
Once upon a time, an old man lived in a small house by the sea.
Inversion after "here" and "there"
Inversion occurs in sentences beginning with "here" or "there". Some phrases that begin with "here" or "there" are idiomatic.
Here is the book you asked for.
Here comes the sun.
Here comes my bus.
Here comes your friend.
Here (there) is my sister! / Get out my sister!
And here is the call.
So my money is gone!
If the subject of a sentence beginning with "here" or "there" is expressed by a personal pronoun, the verb is placed after the subject.
Here it is. / Here. / Here, take it.
Here he is. / Here he comes. There he goes.
Here I am. There she is.
Well, it starts again.
Constructions with "so" and "neither"
Reverse word order is required in responses like "So do I" and "Neither do I". (See the article "So do I. Neither do I." in the Phrases section.)
I love coffee. - Me too.
I do not like coffee. - I also do not like).
She will wait for them. - Me too.
She won't wait for them. Me too (I won't).
Inversion is also required in compound sentences with such constructions.
I love coffee and so does Ella (loves).
I don't like coffee and neither does Ella (doesn't).
She will wait for them, and so will I (Wait).
She won't wait for them, and neither will I (I won't).
Conditional sentences
Inversion is required in the subordinate clause of conditional sentences in which the subordinating conjunction"if". If the union "if" is used, the inversion is not used. Compare these conditional sentences that use reverse word order and standard word order.
In case my son calls, ask him to wait for me at home. If my son calls, ask him to wait for me at home. If my son calls, ask him to wait for me at home.
If I were not so tired, I would go there with you. – If I were not so tired, I would go there with you.
If I had known this (before), I would have helped him. If I had known this (before), I would have helped him.
(See "Absence of IF" in the article "Conditional Sentences" in the Grammar section.)
Inversion after direct speech
Inversion takes place in constructions with verbs like "said, asked, replied" after direct speech.
“I will help you,” Anton said.
"What is the problem?" the driver asked.
“I lost my wallet,” the woman replied.
If the subject of such constructions is expressed by a personal pronoun, the verb is usually placed after the subject.
"Thank you for your help," she said.
“No thanks,” he replied.
Note: Many examples of reverse word order constructions like "said he; said she; said I" (used along with "he said; she said; I said" after direct speech) can be found in literary works of past centuries. For example: "I am not afraid of you," he said, smilingly. (Jane Austen) "Where is the Prince?" he said. (Charles Dickens) "That's a fire," said I. (Mark Twain)
If verbs like "said, asked, replied" are used in compound tense forms, or if the direct object comes after "ask", inversion is not used. For example: "I"ll help you," Anton will say. "What"s the problem?" the driver asked her.
Standard word order is also used in constructions with verbs like "said, asked, replied" after direct speech, especially in American English. For example: "I"ll help you," Anton said. "What"s the problem?" the driver asked.
If verbs like "said, asked, replied" come before direct speech, inversion is not used. For example: Nina said, "Let's go home."
Inversion in exclamatory sentences
Inversion is sometimes used for emphasis in exclamatory sentences. Compare the reverse and direct word order in the following exclamatory sentences.
Well, I'm hungry! - I'm so hungry!
Well, she got mad! - She was so angry!
And what a surprise we have for you! – We have a surprise for you!
May all your wishes come true!
How beautiful are these roses! How beautiful are these roses!
Inversion dependent on the beginning of a sentence
The following cases of inversion occur when certain parts of the sentence, such as the adverb of place or direction, come at the beginning of the sentence. Inversion in such cases consists in moving the auxiliary verb, and in some cases the main verb (i.e. the entire tense form), to a position before the subject.
These types of inversions are used for emphatic amplification, mainly in literary works. It is advisable for language learners to use direct word order in such cases. The examples below are given in pairs: Reverse Word Order - Forward Word Order.
Inversion after "so", "such", "as"
The boy looked so miserable that we gave him all the candies we had. The boy looked so miserable that we gave him all the sweets we had.
She was so disappointed that she began to cry. Her disappointment was so strong that she began to cry.
Owls live in hollow trees, like squirrels. Owls and squirrels live in hollow trees.
As was customary, three fighters and three shooters were chosen.
Inversion after adjectives and participles
Gone are the days when he was young and full of energy. “Those days when he was young and full of energy are gone.
Blessed are the pure in heart.
Her singing was beautiful. - Her singing was beautiful.
Inversion after circumstance of place
Right in front of him stood a huge two-headed dragon. A huge two-headed dragon stood right in front of him.
In the middle of the road sat a strange old man dressed in black. A strange old man dressed in black was sitting in the middle of the road.
Behind the mountain lay the most beautiful valley he had ever seen. The most beautiful valley he had ever seen lay behind the mountain.
Inversion after postpositions
The doors opened and several people ran out. Several people ran outside when the doors opened.
Hundreds of children's balloons flew up. Hundreds of children's balloons flew up.
If the subject is expressed by a personal pronoun, the verb is placed after the subject.
You are ready? Let's go! (going out; leaving)
Outside he ran. - He ran outside.
Note: Direct object at the beginning of a sentence
The direct object is sometimes placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. In such cases, the subject usually follows the object and the predicate follows the subject; that is, reverse word order is not normally used if the complement is moved. Compare:
This we do not know. “We don't know.
Those people I can ask. “I can ask those people.
Lena does not like red dresses. Lena doesn't like red dresses.
Inversion in negative constructions
Inversion is required in negative sentences beginning with the following negative adverbs and adverbial combinations: never; never before; not only...but also; not until; no sooner; at no time; on no account; under no circumstances.
Inversion also takes place in sentences beginning with the following adverbs and adverbial combinations used in a negative sense: rarely; seldom; hardly; scarcely; little; only when; only after; only then.
Negative constructions with reversed word order are used for emphatic amplification, mainly in official writing and in literary works.
If you do not need or want to use reversed emphatic negative constructions, do not put the above expressions at the beginning of a sentence.
Compare the following examples of reverse and standard word order in sentences with such negative constructions. The first sentence in each group is in reverse word order.
Examples:
Never before had I experienced such fear. “I have never experienced such fear before.
Never in his life had he seen a more hideous creature. “He had never seen a more hideous creature in his life.
Not only did he spill coffee everywhere, but he also broke my favorite vase. He not only spilled coffee everywhere, but also broke my favorite vase.
The princess was not only strikingly beautiful, but she was also extremely intelligent. The princess was not only strikingly beautiful, but also extremely intelligent.
It was only much later that I realized the meaning/significance of that event. I understood the meaning of that event much later.
Before she could hang up / Barely / As soon as she hung up, the phone rang again. As soon as she hung up, the phone rang again. The phone rang again as soon as she hung up.
You must never let him out of your sight. “You should never let him out of your sight. Don't let him out of your sight for a second.
Under no circumstances can she be held responsible for his actions. She cannot be held responsible for his actions.
Rarely have I seen such a magnificent view. “I have rarely seen such a magnificent view.
Rarely do we realize what our actions can lead to. We rarely realize what our actions can lead to.
He had no idea what fate had in store for him. He didn't know what fate had in store for him.
Before I had time to enter / As soon as I entered the house, the light went out. I had barely entered the house when the lights went out.
As soon as he said this, the magician appeared. He barely had time to say it when the magician appeared.
It wasn't until I arrived at the hotel that I noticed that my travel bag was missing. I noticed that my travel bag was missing only when I arrived at the hotel.
Only after my guest had left did I remember his name. I remembered my guest's name only after he left.
Inversion in English. Inverted and standard word order. Typical inverted constructions.
Inversion in English. Reverse and standard word order. Typical constructions with reverse word order.
The standard word order in English affirmative sentences is subject first, then verb-predicate.
However, in certain situations, we want to emphasize a certain word or expression in a sentence, or give this sentence more emotional sound. To this end, we can use the so-called inversion.
Inversion is a violation of the usual word order in a sentence: first comes the predicate (auxiliary or modal verb, adverb, etc.), then the subject.
Inversion after a negative adverb
If at the beginning of a sentence you see a negative adverb (never, nowhere, not only, etc), it means that it will probably be followed by inversion.
I had never seen so many people in one room. (standard word order)
Never had I seen so many people in one room. (inversion)
The formula for the formation of inversion in English looks like this:
Adverb + auxiliary verb + subject + other parts of the sentence
And now let's look at what negative adverbs are in English:
1) Adverbs with particle not.
not until I see it with my own eyes will I believe what he said. - Bye I not I'll see it with my own eyes I don't believe to what he said.
not until he apologises will I speak to him again. - Until he apologizes I won't talk to him.
Not since I was little have I had so much fun. “I haven’t had this much fun since childhood.
The auxiliary verb do can often be used in this construction.
Not for one minute do I imagine they "ll come back. - I can't imagine them coming back.
2) Adverbs with only.
In this group of adverbs, inversion can be used both in the main and in the subordinate clause.
Only after several weeks did she begin to recover. - Only later few weeks she started get better.
Only later did she realize what happened. - Only later did she realize what happened.
Only then did he remember he hadn't got his keys. - Only then did he realize that he has no keys.
Only in the last week has he started feel better. - Only this week he started feel better.
Only after the phone call did she calm down. - Only after phone call she calmed down.
Only later did I realize how important it was. - Only then did I realize how important it was.
Only then did I remember that I had forgotten to feed my cat. - Only then did I remember forgot to feed the cat.
Only when I have called him will I be able to think about anything else. - Only when I will call him I can think of something else.
Only by patience and hard work will we find a solution. - Only patience and diligence we can find a solution.
Only in this way do we stand any chance of success. - Only in this case we have a chance of success.
3) Adverbs of frequency of action (hardly / barely / scarcely - hardly, never - never, rarely / seldom - rarely, no sooner ... than - did not have time ... how).
In these examples, inversion is used immediately after the adverb.
Never have I seen such a beautiful child. - Never have I seen such a beautiful child.
Hardly ever does she come in time. - Rarely does she come in time.
Barely have we agreed with him. - Hardly we are with him agreed.
Seldom do they fail to impress their neighbours. - Rarely do they fail impress the neighbors.
No sooner had they entered the mseum than the excursion began. - They didn't get in to the museum, as the tour began.
4) Adverb little with a negative meaning.
In this construction, the inversion will come immediately after the adverb.
Little do they realize how lucky they are to have such a great friend. - They don't understand well How lucky they are to have such a good friend.
Little did I suspect that he would leave his job one day. - I didn't suspect that someday he will quit his job.
5) Other expressions with adverbs (at no time / in no way / on no account - never, in no way, in any case, under / in no circumstances - under no circumstances).
Under no circumstance can we accept the offer. - Under no circumstances we cannot accept this offer.
On no account are you to repeat this to anyone. - No way you must not repeat this to anyone.
In no way should this be regarded as an end of the matter. - no way this should not be taken as the end of the case.
At no time did she complain about her problems. - Never she did not complain about her problems.
Under no circumstance are parents allowed to leave their children alone. - Under no circumstances parents are not allowed to leave their children alone.
Remember that inversion makes our speech more formal. That is why, when writing various essays, she will immediately attract attention and will be appreciated by the inspectors. But, like any other grammatical construction, you should not use inversion without understanding this difficult phenomenon properly.
Inversion with modal verb May
We use modal verb inversion May when we want something. We will translate such a sentence in the future tense using the words “let”, “yes”.
May all your dreams come true. - May all your dreams come true.
May the force be with you. - Let the force be with you.
Inversion in comparative turns
Inversion often occurs in comparisons after conjunctions as(how), than(how). This phenomenon is characteristic of the literary style.
He is very active as are the most boys of his age. - He is very active like most boys his age.
People who live in the country know nature better than do city dwellers. – Villagers are more familiar with nature, how urban.
Inversion in conditional sentences
Inversion can be found in all types of conditional sentences, with the exception of the zero conditional. To do this, we bring the auxiliary verb to the first place and remove the "if".
The first type of conditional sentences:
In the first type of conditional sentences, there may be an inversion with the modal verb should, which will be translated as “suddenly”, “happen”.
If I should come early, I will fill the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. → Should I come early, I will fill the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
If suddenly I I will come early, I'll make a turkey for thanksgiving dinner. → happen to me come before, I'll make a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
The second type of conditional sentences:
In the second type of conditional sentences, the verb were (for all persons) acts as an auxiliary verb.
If he had more free time, he would travel a lot. → Were he to have more free time, he would travel a lot.
If he had more free time, he would travel a lot. → Be he has more free time, he would travel a lot.
If in the second type of conditional sentence to be acts as the main and auxiliary verbs, then we use it only once at the beginning of the sentence.
If I were a millionaire, I would have many hospitals and nursery schools built. → Were I a millionaire, I would have many hospitals and nursery schools built.
If I was a millionaire, I would have built many hospitals and kindergartens. → be me millionaire, I would build many hospitals and kindergartens.
the third type of conditional sentences:
In the third type of conditional sentences auxiliary verb there will be a verb had.
If you had regularly attended your classes, you could have passed the exam. → Had you regularly attended your classes, you could have passed the exam.
If If you went to class regularly, you would be able to pass the exam. → walk If you go to class regularly, you would be able to pass the exam.
Inversion in negative conditional sentences:
Be careful when using inversion in negative sentences. They do not allow particle merging not with a verb.
Should he not come in time, call me. - If suddenly he will not come on time call me.
Were it not for her bad mood, she wouldn't yell at everyone. - Do not be she's in a bad mood, she wouldn't yell at anyone.
Had they not lost all their money, they would have moved to another country. - He lose they have all their money, they would have moved to another country.
Inversion in designs
"so ... that" and "such ... that"
Inversion is used in constructions with adverbs so and such when we want to emotionally highlight some quality, positive or negative.
After so we use first an adjective or adverb that describes a certain property, then we put the verb and the subject.
So awesome was his essay that I asked him to read it one more time. - So fabulous It was his essay, what I asked to read it again.
After such verb and subject immediately. An adjective or adverb is not needed here. It is usually clear from the context of the sentence which quality is implied.
Such was her singing that we had to use the earplugs. - She sang So, what we had to use earplugs.
Inversion and adverbs of place
If the sentence begins with an adverb of place, then the verb is placed before the subject, that is, inversion appears. In this form, it is more often found in literary speech, especially in various descriptions.
on the tree sat an unusual bird. - On the tree sat an unusual bird.
Directly in front of them stood a beautiful castle. - Right in front of them there was a beautiful castle.
inversion or in Russian, inversion is a special syntactic technique in English stylistics, when the reverse order of words in speech is applied. It is a well-known fact that in English the word order is very structured and clear:
First, comes the subject;
Secondly, the turn of the predicate comes;
Thirdly, everything completes the addition.
More remarkable are the beginning and end of the sentence itself. This is due to the fact that at the beginning there is a full emphasis on the word, and already at the end there is a noticeable pause.
Types of inversion
In English, there are three types of such a linguistic device:1. Grammar way
When such an inversion is used, the grammatical meaning of the whole sentence is changed, which allows it to become interrogative. This option is objective, but does not depend on personal attitude, allowing itself to obey the general grammatical rules of the language.
Where do you live now? — Where do you live now?Can you help me? - Can you help me?
Have you seen my sister? - Have you seen my sister?
2. Gain inversion
This style is semi-regulated and does not change the grammatical meaning of the sentence.
Only then did I realize what was goin on - And only then did I realize what happenedRarely do members of the same family grow up under the same roof - Rarely do members of the same family grow up under the same roof
Never have I seen such a storm - I have never seen such a storm
3. Stylistic inversion
The peculiarity of this type of stylistic device also does not change grammatical meaning sentences, but it has an emotional coloring or gives logical stress to the utterance. It is for such sentences with stylistic inversion that a certain intonational tone is inherent. As a rule, disobeying the general grammatical rules in this case looks like this:
Predicate and subject
Came frightful days of hunger and cold - Terrible days of hunger and cold have comeNear the house is a big park - There is a big park there
Predicative (predicate), copula and subject
Simple am I in my speech - I am simple in my speech
Complement and predicate
Clever things have I in mind - The right things are in my head
Circumstance, subject and predicate
Right before me stands a woman with a knife in his left hand - A woman stands next to me with a knife in his left handAt your hearth I fall - I fall to your hearth
The uniqueness of the use of inversion is that the neutral integrity of intonation is violated, therefore, some subtext is often possible, which often leads to overt irony.
A lot of nicely you can do me! - How wonderful you treat me!
Using inversion designs
AT English speech Similar constructions are used in two cases:
To compose any questions (using the phrases Will they?, Can she?, etc.);
Had I more children, I would have bought a much larger house - If I had more children, I would have bought a much larger house.
You can use inversion after:
. After words like so, neither or nor (for example, so do I, neither do I, etc.)I love that woman! - So do I!
I love this woman! - Me too
I don't believe in God. - Neither do I.
I do not believe in God. - I don't believe it either.
For the literary form, many variants of inversion styles are known:
. With adverbial expressions with a touch of negativity
At no time did Lisa say she would return - Lisa never said when she would return
In no way can he stay unknown - No way can he remain incognito
. After phrases where there is an expression of place
If you come across such a sentence that would directly include such phrases (they would express certain actions that are not transferred to a specific person or object), but usually I take a place before the subject. Such stylistic forms are present in a variety of descriptions.
On the bush sat an unusual butterfly - An unusual butterfly sat on the bushRound the big house came the baker - A baker appeared around the corner
On the fifth floor was she staying - On the fifth floor she stopped
After words like seldom, never or rarely with mandatory comparison
Never had he felt so happy - Never had he felt so happySeldom have they seen her without his car - Rarely did they see her without his car
After words and phrases like no sooner, hardly or scarcely when one action always follows another
Hardly had she closed his notebook when her father came into the nursery - She barely had time to close her notebook when her father came to the nurseryNo sooner had she returned from ballet that her mother entered the room - As soon as she returned from the ballet, his mother entered the room
After expressions that begin with the word only
Only after her departure did I realize her importance for me - Only after her departure did I realize how important she is to me
After such adverbs as here comes and t here goes which are most often idiomatic
Here comes only the doomed - Here come the doomedHere comes my train - Here comes my train
There goes the airplane - And here comes the plane
There goes my children - And here are my children
With a word May when it comes before the subject
May all your dreams come true - May all your dreams come true
"Where is my telephone?" asked Lisa"Where's my phone?" Lisa said
But if suddenly a pronoun appears instead of the subject itself, but the word order in the speech of the English returns to the correct formulation
"What do you finally want?" he asked"What do you finally want?" he said
Inversion in English written literature is also considered by writers as a linguistic way that allows you to ennoble the language, dividing it into expressive and vivid. That is why such turns are most often present in the works. At the same time, in conversational communication, in addition to the above two situations, inversion is rather optional.
