This document provides an explanation and examples of inverted sentences in grammar. It explains that inverted sentences place the verb before the subject. Typical verbs require "do-support" where an auxiliary verb like "do" or "does" is used. Inverted sentences can be used declaratively, where the word order mimics an interrogative sentence with the auxiliary verb before the subject. Examples of inverted sentences are provided that were created by the authors as well as one from an online source. Links to additional resources on inversion rules are included at the end.

1. Inverted sentence
Level 5c-Gramamr-Ning ChenBowen Wang-Yiyuan Fu

2. Rules explanation and examples(1)
•Rules explanation: In grammar, a reversal of normal
word order, especially the placement of a verb ahead
of the subject (subject-verb inversion).
•Examples(we made these sentences below by
ourselves):
A. Under the tree there stayed an old man.
（ Verb ）（ Subject)
B. In front of the desk there stands a student.
(Verb ）（ Subject)

3. Rules explanation and examples(2)
•Rules explanation: Typical verbs do not themselves permit inversion, but
rather require what is traditionally called do-support (i.e. have inverted forms
which require the use of the dummy auxiliary do):
Examples (we made these sentences below by ourselves):
A. Does he know the news? (Normal sentence)
Knows he the news? (Inverted sentence
B. Did she speak French? (Normal sentence)
Speaks she French? (Inverted sentence)

4. Rules explanation and examples(3)
•Rules explanation: When inversion is used in declarative
sentences the word order is the same as in a QUESTION, i.e. the
auxiliary verb precedes the subject.
•Examples(we made these sentences below by ourselves):
A. Usually
do
these doctors have excellent
(auxiliary verb )
(subject )
operations.
B. Rarely
do
(modal verb)
I
see the stars.
(subject)

5. A sample of inverted setence from
website
• Not until a frog develops lungs does it leave
the water and live on the land.
• Sample source:
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inverted_senten
ce
01/23/14

6. • Rules 1 and 2
• http://grammar.about.com/od/il/g/inversionterm
• Rule 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inversion_
%28linguistics%29
01/23/14

7. • Rules 1 and 2
• http://grammar.about.com/od/il/g/inversionterm
• Rule 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inversion_
%28linguistics%29
01/23/14