NEGATIVE INVERSION
• We use negative inversion (to add emphasis (special meaning) to a sentence)
• Negative inversion can sound quite formal, but it is also used in more informal contexts for dramatic effect.
• After a negative adverb or phrase the word order changes
Negative adverbial + auxiliary verb + subject + clause
1. I had never felt so afraid. → Never had I felt so afraid.
2. I could find my keys. → Nowhere could I find my keys.
Some common adverbs and adverbial phrases are: seldom/rarely |
• Notice that if the auxiliary verb is negative in the first sentence, it becomes affirmative in the inverted sentence and the ‘not’ moves to the front.
- You should not leave this room for any reason.
Under (no) circumstances should you leave this room.
• In cases where the tense does not use an auxiliary verb in the affirmative, such as the present simple or the past simple, one must be added.
► Present Simple:
1. I rarely go outside. → Rarely do I go outside.
2.They don't ever know what to do. → Never do they know what to do.
3.She almost never loses. → Scarcely does she lose.
► Past Simple: (Notice how the verb changes from past tense to infinitive)
1. She seldom worked very hard. → Seldom did she work very hard.
2. We never went lo the shopping centre. → At not time did we go to the shopping centre.
3. He didn’t react at all. → In no way did he react.