Lead-in

Answer the following questions:

1. How can we make our writing more engaging and sophisticated?
2. What techniques do authors use to create emphasis in their sentences?
3. Have you ever noticed sentences that seem to have an unusual word order? How did they affect your reading experience?

Listen to a song and find out unusual sentences

Write down the sentences with an unusual word order, when a verb goes before a subject, for example.

Compare your answers

Never would I have… Never could I have… Barely had she said… No sooner was she… Only now do I understand… Little did they think… Had I known… Not once did I think… Rarely do we ever get…

PDF on the song with lyrics and some explanations

Types of Inversion

Read the following sentences and pay attention to the word order:

1. Never have I seen such a breathtaking performance.
2. Not only did the film win an Oscar, but it also broke box office records.
3. Rarely does a book leave such a lasting impression on its readers.
4. Had I known about the plot twist, I wouldn’t have been so surprised.
5. Little did the audience realize that the actor was improvising.
6. So powerful was the final scene that it left the viewers in tears.

Explanation and Reasons for Inversion

Inversion is a literary device where the normal word order of a sentence is reversed, typically for emphasis or stylistic effect. We use inversion to:

1. Add emphasis to a particular part of the sentence
2. Create a more formal or literary tone
3. Express surprise, shock, or strong emotions
4. Vary sentence structure for better flow and rhythm in writing

Where can we find inversion structures?

Literary works, especially poetry and prose fiction. Authors frequently employ inversion for stylistic effect or emphasis. Some examples:

• Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets
• Poetry by Emily Dickinson, e.e. cummings, or other experimental poets
• Novels by authors known for unique prose styles like Virginia Woolf or James Joyce

Song lyrics, particularly those with poetic or literary qualities. Many songwriters use inversion to fit rhyme schemes or create emphasis. Look for lyrics by:

• Bob Dylan
• Leonard Cohen
• Joni Mitchell

Political speeches and formal addresses. Inversion is often used for rhetorical effect in important speeches. Some examples:

• Inaugural addresses by U.S. presidents
• Famous historical speeches (e.g. “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr.)
• Formal speeches by world leaders at events like the UN General Assembly

News articles and editorials, especially opinion pieces. Journalists may use inversion to add emphasis or variety. Look for:

• Editorial columns in major newspapers
• Magazine feature articles
• Opinion pieces on news websites

Academic writing, particularly in humanities fields. Scholarly prose sometimes employs inversion for emphasis. Try:

• Journal articles in literature, philosophy, or history
• Academic books, especially introductions or conclusions

Types of inversion include:

• Negative adverbs (never, rarely, seldom)
• Conditional sentences without “if”
• Emphatic additions (so, such)
• After “only” phrases
• With certain prepositional phrases, etc.

Look at the table. Here’s a clear typology of some more inversion structures with examples:

Type of Inversion	Example
1. Negative Adverb Inversion	Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset.
2. Only + Prepositional Phrase Inversion	Only after finishing the book did I understand its message.
3. Little/Rarely/Seldom Inversion	Little did they know what was about to happen.
4. So + Adjective + That Inversion	So beautiful was the music that it moved everyone to tears.
5. Not Only…But Also Inversion	Not only did she win the race, but she also broke the record.
6. Conditional Inversion (with Had, Were, Should)	Had I known about the party, I would have attended.
7. Neither/Nor Inversion	I don’t like coffee, nor do I enjoy tea.
8. As/Than Comparison Inversion	She is as talented as is her sister.
9. Here/There + Verb Inversion	Here comes the bus!
10. Prepositional Phrase of Place/Direction Inversion	Down the street ran the excited children.
11. Question Word Inversion	Why did you leave so early?
12. No Sooner…Than Inversion	No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain.

Find Inversion Structures

Read the following film review:

“Seldom has a film captured the essence of human resilience as powerfully as ‘The Unbroken Spirit.’ Not only does it boast stellar performances, but it also showcases breathtaking cinematography. So gripping is the narrative that viewers find themselves completely immersed from start to finish. Had the director chosen a less capable cast, the impact might have been diminished. Little did audiences expect that the lead actor’s performance would earn him an Academy Award nomination. Rarely does a debut film achieve such critical acclaim, yet ‘The Unbroken Spirit’ has done just that.”

Comprehension Tasks

1. Identify all instances of inversion in the text.
2. Explain the effect of each inversion on the overall tone of the review.
3. Rewrite the sentences without inversion. How does this change the impact?

Get some practice

Exercise 1. Put Them In Their Places

Exercise 2: News Headlines and Quotes

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using inversion to add emphasis or formality. The type of inversion to use is indicated in parentheses.

1. “We will not tolerate this behavior under any circumstances.” (Negative adverb)
   Original quote from a school principal in a local newspaper.
2. “The team would have won if they had scored in the final minute.” (Conditional)
   Excerpt from a sports commentary.
3. “The new policy is so controversial that it has sparked nationwide protests.” (So + adjective)
   From a political analysis article.
4. “I realized the importance of the discovery only after years of research.” (Only + time phrase)
   Quote from a Nobel Prize winner’s interview.
5. “The painting was so valuable that the museum installed extra security measures.” (So + adjective)
   From an art gallery press release.

Possible answers

1. “Under no circumstances will we tolerate this behavior.”
2. “Had the team scored in the final minute, they would have won.”
3. “So controversial is the new policy that it has sparked nationwide protests.”
4. “Only after years of research did I realize the importance of the discovery.”
5. “So valuable was the painting that the museum installed extra security measures.”

Exercise 3: Literary Passages

1. Original: “If I had known about the surprise party, I would have dressed up.”
   From “The Birthday Surprise” by Jane Smith
   Transform using: Conditional inversion
2. Original: “The wind was so strong that it uprooted ancient trees.”
   From “Storm’s Fury” by Michael Johnson
   Transform using: So + adjective inversion
3. Original: “She rarely speaks about her past experiences.”
   From “Secrets of the Heart” by Emily Brown
   Transform using: Negative adverb inversion
4. Original: “I understood the full impact of climate change only after visiting the melting glaciers.”
   From “Our Changing Planet” by Dr. Sarah Green
   Transform using: Only + prepositional phrase inversion
5. Original: “The music was so haunting that it lingered in their minds for days.”
   From “Symphony of Shadows” by Robert Black
   Transform using: So + adjective inversion

Possible answers

Exercise 2: Literary Passages

1. “Had I known about the surprise party, I would have dressed up.”
2. “So strong was the wind that it uprooted ancient trees.”
3. “Rarely does she speak about her past experiences.”
4. “Only after visiting the melting glaciers did I understand the full impact of climate change.”
5. “So haunting was the music that it lingered in their minds for days.”

Note that in some cases, there might be slight variations in how the inversion is formed, particularly with longer sentences. The key is to ensure that the inversion is grammatically correct and maintains the original meaning and emphasis of the sentence. For example, in Exercise 2, question 4, an alternative correct answer could be:
“Only upon visiting the melting glaciers did I understand the full impact of climate change.”

Now, conversely, give inverted sentences to rewrite them in standard word order. Maintain the original meaning as closely as possible.

1. Never have I seen such a magnificent sunset.
2. Not only did she ace the exam, but she also received a scholarship.
3. Seldom does one encounter such kindness in a big city.
4. Had I known about the traffic, I would have left earlier.
5. Little did they realize that their decision would change history.
6. So powerful was her speech that it moved the entire audience to tears.
7. Only after finishing the book did I understand its profound message.
8. Rarely have I been so impressed by a young athlete’s performance.
9. No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain.
10. Under no circumstances are employees allowed to share confidential information.

Possible answers

1. I have never seen such a magnificent sunset.
2. She not only aced the exam, but she also received a scholarship.
3. One seldom encounters such kindness in a big city.
4. If I had known about the traffic, I would have left earlier.
5. They realized little that their decision would change history.
6. Her speech was so powerful that it moved the entire audience to tears.
7. I understood its profound message only after finishing the book.
8. I have rarely been so impressed by a young athlete’s performance.
9. We had no sooner arrived than it started to rain.
10. Employees are not allowed to share confidential information under any circumstances.

Speaking Practice

Make sentences about the following, using inversion:

1. Describe a film or book that left a strong impression on you.
2. Talk about an unexpected plot twist you’ve encountered in a story.
3. Discuss a performance (acting, music, etc.) that you found particularly moving.
4. Share your thoughts on a disappointing film or book, explaining why it fell short of expectations.

Example prompt: “Never before have I seen a film that…”

Homework

Watch

Watch the episodes from TV series and spot all the sentences with the inversions. Write them down and then rewrite them in a standard way. Do you feel the difference in tone?

Transcript

0:07 Not only did Sheldon save my life, he didn’t rat me out to the landlord or the police or

0:12 homeland security.

0:15 Ok, so basically you’re the reason I have to walk up and down three flights of stairs

0:18 every day?

0:20 There she was handpicked by Jacob, trained to come and protect you candidates.

0:29 No sooner does she tell you who you are and she blows up.

0:37 Well, then I’d like to say something if that’s cool.

0:42 Today, Lily did something great.

0:44 Not only did she gather us all here together and cook a delicious meal, but she also

0:49 started a new tradition.

0:51 We’re going to do this again next year and the year after that, maybe for the rest of

0:55 our lives.

0:57 Ok, in no way is this movie based on a true story.

1:00 It’s a future true story.

1:02 A zombie apocalypse is going to happen.

1:04….. a hostage situation.

1:05 OK, Bill. That’s wrong. Under no circumstances are you to follow me in, Gary.

1:12 As we walked through the room of women clutching their bejeweled swan, kitten and

1:16 asparagus purses, I realized to my horror that not only did they not love me, he had

1:23 absolutely no idea who I was.

1:25 Maybe it’s something I’ve come to believe as I’ve gotten older, that a life lived only for

1:30 oneself is empty.

1:32 Only when I finally looked outside of myself and recognized the needs of others, did I

1:38 begin to become the kind of person I wanted to be.

1:43 Not only is it an affront to my character, Shawn, but I’ll have you know, I’m turning

1:47 over a new leaf. I’m now hardened.

1:49 I’ve seen it all. You’ve seen it all through the cracks in your fingers while you’re

1:52 hiding your object,

1:53… Copernicus. Not only did Aristarchus suggested the Earth and the planets traveled

1:57 around the sun, he also calculated the relative sizes and distances of the Earth,

2:02 moon and sun, and worked out that the heavens were not some celestial sphere, but

2:08 the universe of almost infinite size.

2:10 Heckled by a lot of people before.

2:11 But never did I think it was going to be the Sesame Street guys.

2:14 I mean, what’s the appropriate response to that?

2:16 Can’t read cursive.

2:17 Not only did Joe organize most of this event himself, but he literally built the platform

2:24 that we are standing on right now with his own two big man hands.

2:31 You know, she probably woke up this morning and thought, all right, so I’ll have some

2:34 breakfast and I’ll take a little walk and and you know, then I’ll have my massage.

2:38 Little did she know God was thinking, OK, but that’s it.

2:43 An incredible songwriter, he’s written two huge songs, not only can he sing, but he

2:48 writes and he dances and I’m so proud of him.

2:51 He had four days to get this together and you just killed it.

2:55 Oh, yeah.

Writing Task

Write a short review (150-200 words) of your favorite film or book, incorporating at least five different types of inversion.

Here are some ideas:

1. Craft a professional email to a film production company expressing your disappointment in a recent movie you watched. Use the target vocabulary to emphasize your surprise at the movie’s quality, or lack thereof.
2. Write a persuasive blog post comparing two classic novels, focusing on the use of inversions in their writing styles. Utilize the target vocabulary to highlight the unique storytelling techniques employed by the authors.
3. Create a social media post discussing a recent plot twist in a popular TV show or movie. Use the target vocabulary to express your shock at the unexpected turn of events and how it has impacted your viewing experience.

Target Vocabulary:

had I known, rarely have I, not only does, no sooner had, here comes, not only…but, never have I, only after, as is it

Here are some sample phrases you can use in your review:

… Take, for instance, a plot twist: no sooner had the protagonist revealed his secret than the story shifted entirely.

Rarely have I seen such a compelling narrative device.

Not only does the film captivate audiences with its visuals, but it also challenges them intellectually.

Had I known the ending beforehand, my experience would still be profound.

Never have I encountered such daring storytelling as is it in this film.

Here comes a movie that defies expectations. Only after viewing it twice does one grasp its full message.