Look at sentences a-b from the article and answer questions 1-2.
a. No sooner had they huddled together in the basement than the wind blew a hole in the basement.
b. Little did they imagine how much was growing there.
1. What do you notice about the word order after the negative adverbials?
The word order changes — words are inverted.
2. What effect does using negative adverbial phrases like these have on the reader?
It has a stronger effect and attracts more attention as it carries a stronger meaning/emphasis.
Rewrite the sentences without changing their meaning.
1. They had only just left when the house exploded.
Scarcely ........................................................................................
2. You should not approach the animal, which is dangerous.
Under ........................................................................................
3. As well as winning the race, she also broke a world record.
Not only ........................................................................................
4. He didn’t imagine that his friend was a spy!
Little ........................................................................................
ANSWERS:
1. Scarcely had they left when the house exploded.
2. Under no circumstances should you approach the animal, which is dangerous.
3. Not only did she win the race, but she also broke a world record.
4.Little did he imagine that his friend was a spy!