The document explains the concept of inversion in grammar, which mimics a question's format to emphasize statements. It outlines common structures of inversion, such as using auxiliary verbs and subjects in specific clauses, while providing various examples. Additionally, it touches on related structures like 'such/so...that' and 'though,' along with inverted conditional forms.

1. Inversion
EAP 1002
Dimitra Dimopoulou

2. What?: Inversion imitates the
format of a question to
emphasize a statement.
How?: Common structure:
Inversion phrase + auxiliary
verb + subject + main verb
Be aware of exceptions: only /
not until, where the inversion
occurs in the second clause.

3. Not only had he forgotten his homework, but he was also late.

4. Not only do they dance, but they sing well too.

5. No sooner had we started walking than it started raining.

6. Hardly had I fallen asleep when the alarm clock rang.

7. Under no
circumstances
should you
enter this
area.

8. Only by training hard can you compete in the marathon.

9. Not until we had reached the top of the mountain did we realize how far
we had come.

10. Try it out!
• She started screaming the moment I
walked through the door. (hardly / no
sooner)
• She was tired and hungry. (not only)
• You should not use these chemicals.
(circumstances)
• You must practice several times
before you succeed. (only)
• They realized how great their
achievement was when they got first
prize. (not until)

11. Other structures:
Such / So … that
Such + auxiliary verb + noun
So + adjective / adverb +
auxiliary verb + subject + verb
Adjective + though + auxiliary
verb
Inverted Conditionals:
Should you be late, … (1st)
Were I better qualified,… (2nd)
Had I known, … (3rd)

12. Such was the damage caused by the fire that most of the town was
left homeless.

13. Tired though I was, I still went to the party.

14. Your mission, should you choose to accept it...

15. RECAP:
Inversion imitates the format
of a question to emphasize a
statement.
Most Common structure:
Inversion phrase + auxiliary
verb + subject + main verb

16. Try it out!
• The tsunami was so destructive that
over 1.000 people died. (so / such)
• He was demotivated, but he took the
job. (though)
• If I see her, I’ll tell her to call you.
(should)
• If I were Prime Minster, I would
change taxation laws. (were)
• If she had invited me, I would have
gone to the event. (had)

17. Ready for more
exercises?
Let’s go to Scramblinator!