ADVANCED GRAMMAR: INVERSION

Rules & Syntax

How to Identify Inversion

A 3-Step Guide to Identification

1. 1. Check the Beginning of the Sentence: Look for sentences that start with something other than a typical subject. Pay close attention to negative words (`Never`, `No sooner`), limiting words (`Only after`, `Hardly`), or conditional helping verbs (`Had`, `Were`, `Should`).
2. 2. Locate the Subject and Verb: Find the main subject and the helping verb of the clause that follows the trigger word.
3. 3. Verify the Order: Check if the helping verb comes **before** the subject.
   • Correct Inversion: `Hardly` had he `left...` (Verb before Subject)
   • Incorrect (Error): `Hardly` he had `left...` (Subject before Verb - this is a common exam question)

100 Examples of Inversion

Category 1: Inversion in Questions (1-10)

1. Are you ready for the test?
2. Did he finish the report on time?
3. Have they arrived yet?
4. Will she accept the new job offer?
5. Where is the nearest station?
6. How can I help you?
7. Should we inform the manager?
8. Why was she crying?
9. Does your company provide health insurance?
10. When did the Industrial Revolution begin?

Category 2: Inversion after Negative & Limiting Adverbials (11-60)

Hardly / Scarcely ... when

11. Hardly had I left the house when it started to rain.
12. Scarcely had the movie started when the power went out.
13. Hardly had the sun risen when the farmers went to the fields.
14. Scarcely had she finished her speech when the audience erupted in applause.
15. Hardly had we reached the station when the train departed.
16. Scarcely had he closed his eyes when the alarm clock rang.
17. Hardly had the concert begun when a string on his guitar broke.
18. Scarcely had they sat down to eat when the doorbell rang.
19. Hardly ever do we get to see such a spectacular performance.
20. Scarcely had I understood the question when the time was up.

No sooner ... than

21. No sooner did he see the police than he ran away.
22. No sooner had the teacher entered the classroom than the students became silent.
23. No sooner had we heard the news than we rushed to the hospital.
24. No sooner did the bell ring than the children ran out to play.
25. No sooner had she accepted the proposal than she began to have doubts.
26. No sooner did they launch the product than it became a bestseller.
27. No sooner had the sun set than the temperature dropped sharply.
28. No sooner did the witness take the stand than the lawyer began questioning him.
29. No sooner had he bought the car than it broke down.
30. No sooner did she open the book than she was completely engrossed.

Never / Seldom / Rarely / Little

31. Never have I seen such a beautiful sight.
32. Seldom do we get a chance to relax like this.
33. Rarely does it snow in this part of the country.
34. Little did I know about the surprise they had planned.
35. Never again will I trust that person.
36. Seldom has a politician been so honest with the public.
37. Rarely have we witnessed such bravery.
38. Little did she realize the danger she was in.
39. Never in my life have I been so embarrassed.
40. Seldom does he talk about his past.

Not only ... but also

41. Not only does he play the guitar, but he also sings beautifully.
42. Not only is he intelligent, but he is also hardworking.
43. Not only did they miss the train, but they also lost their luggage.
44. Not only did she win the award, but she also received a scholarship.
45. Not only was the hotel expensive, but it was also very noisy.

Other Negative Phrases (Under no circumstances, At no time, etc.)

46. Under no circumstances should you leave this building.
47. At no time were the students allowed to use their phones.
48. In no way can he be held responsible for the accident.
49. Not a single word did she say during the entire meeting.
50. Not until I saw it with my own eyes did I believe it.
51. Only after finishing his homework was he allowed to play.
52. Only then did I understand the real problem.
53. Only in this way can you achieve your goals.
54. On no account should the door be left unlocked.
55. Not for a moment did I doubt his intentions.

Category 3: Inversion in Conditional Sentences (61-80)

56. Had I known the truth, I would have acted differently.
    (Instead of 'If I had known...')
57. Were I you, I would not accept that offer.
    (Instead of 'If I were you...')
58. Should you need any help, do not hesitate to ask.
    (Instead of 'If you should need...')
59. Had he studied harder, he would have passed the exam.
60. Were the government to announce the policy, there would be protests.
61. Should the train be late, we will miss our connecting flight.
62. Had I been there, this tragic accident would not have happened.
63. Were she to apologize for her behavior, I would forgive her.
64. Should you change your mind about the plan, please let me know.
65. Had they invested their money wisely, they would be rich now.
66. Were I a bird, I would fly all over the world.
67. Should it rain tomorrow, the match will be cancelled.
68. Had she not helped me, I would have failed.
69. Were the roles reversed, you would understand my position.
70. Should he call, tell him I am not at home.
71. Had we arrived earlier, we would have seen the opening ceremony.
72. Were it not for his help, we would be in serious trouble.
73. Should there be any problem, contact the customer service.
74. Had I a million dollars, I would start a charity. (Less common, means 'If I had')
75. Were this true, it would change everything.

Category 4: Inversion for Emphasis (So/Such) (81-90)

76. So beautiful was the painting that I couldn't take my eyes off it.
77. So fast did he run that no one could catch him.
78. Such was the force of the storm that trees were uprooted.
79. So great was his courage that he was awarded a medal.
80. So confusing were the instructions that nobody could understand them.
81. So tired was he that he fell asleep immediately.
82. So brilliant was her performance that she received a standing ovation.
83. Such is the complexity of the issue that there is no easy solution.
84. So rarely does a talent like this emerge.
85. So dark was the night that I couldn't see my own hand.

Category 5: Inversion after Adverbials of Place (91-100)

86. On the hill stands a large castle.
87. Around the corner came the bus.
88. Down the street marched the soldiers.
89. Into the room walked the mysterious stranger.
90. Along the river ran the happy children.
91. Under the table sat a small cat.
92. Out of the bushes jumped a rabbit.
93. At the top of the stairs was a locked door.
94. Next to the library is the new science lab.
95. Over the wall flew the ball.