Inversion: Definition with Examples

Inversion of the verb before the subject is a common phenomenon in English

sentences. The natural order of English sentences is (subject + verb + . . . .) but
sometimes it becomes (verb + subject). Inversion is most common with question
form of the sentences. However, there are few other circumstances where
inversion of subject and verb occurs.

Inversion in questions:
Almost all forms of interrogative sentences (without subject
questions and embedded questions) use inversion. These sentences always place
the auxiliary verb before the subject.
Example:
o Is he going to the club?
o Did he go to the club?
o Where is the club?
o Who is that guy standing there? (No inversion for it is a subject question)

Inversion in other expressions:

Many other negative and affirmative sentences use inversion.

1. Affirmative and negative agreement: only after so, nor, neither but not in the
cases of either and too.
Examples:
o Alex went to the club, and so did his brother.
o Alex went to the club, and Jenny did too. (No inversion)
o Robert hasn’t reached yet, neither has his companion.
o Robert hasn’t reached yet; Robin hasn’t either. (No inversion)
o Russel is not a footballer, and nor is Alex.

2. Negative adverbial expressions at the beginning of the sentence.

Example:
o In no way should we accept their offer.
o Little did they know about me.
o Never has he felt so embarrassed.
o Seldom do they go to a tour.
o Rarely do we see gypsies.
o Hardly ever do they talk to each other.
3. Beginning with only & not only.
Example:
o Only if they come would I go
o Only by researching can you solve this problem.
o Only after lunch can you play.
o Not only did they kill the adults, but they killed also the children.

4. Adverbials at the beginning of a sentence.

Example:
o Hardly had I reached there, he left.
o Seldom does the teacher finishes his class early.
o Rarely does Alex forget to do his
5. Adverbs of place (here & there) at the beginning of a sentence. This type of
sentence requires the main verb (not the auxiliary verb) to come before the
subject.
Example:
o There is a lady standing in front of the club.
o Here comes the king.
o Here is your home-made cola.
o There are so many people in that field.
6. Some prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence.
Example:
o Into the room came she when I was sleeping.
o Behind me cries a child.
o Over the table hangs a painting.
7. Conditionals without the conjunction
Example:
o Had he been there, he could have seen it.
o Were I the president, I could do the good things.
o Were he my brother, I would support him to reach his dreams.
o Should you go there, I will go with you.