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:

• Is he going to the club?
• Did he go to the club?
• Where is the club?
• 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:

• Alex went to the club, and so did his brother.
• Alex went to the club, and Jenny did too. (No inversion)
• Robert hasn’t reached yet, neither has his companion.
• Robert hasn’t reached yet; Robin hasn’t either. (No inversion)
• Russel is not a footballer, and nor is Alex.

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

Example:

• In no way should we accept their offer.
• Little did they know about me.
• Never has he felt so embarrassed.
• Seldom do they go to a tour.
• Rarely do we see gypsies.
• Hardly ever do they talk to each other.

3. Beginning with only & not only.

Example:

• Only if they come would I go
• Only by researching can you solve this problem.
• Only after lunch can you play.
• Not only did they kill the adults, but they killed also the children.

4. Adverbials at the beginning of a sentence.

Example:

• Hardly had I reached there, he left.
• Seldom does the teacher finishes his class early.
• 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:

• There is a lady standing in front of the club.
• Here comes the king.
• Here is your home-made cola.
• There are so many people in that field.

 6. Some prepositional phrases at the beginning of a sentence.

Example:

• Into the room came she when I was sleeping.
• Behind me cries a child.
• Over the table hangs a painting.

7. Conditionals without the conjunction

Example:

• Had he been there, he could have seen it.
• Were I the president, I could do the good things.
• Were he my brother, I would support him to reach his dreams.
• Should you go there, I will go with you.