Inversion & Emphasis Structures

Inversion for Emphasis

In formal or literary English, we can invert subject and verb for emphasis.

Negative Adverbials

• Never have I seen such beauty.
• Rarely does he make mistakes.
• Not only did she win, but she also broke the record.
• Under no circumstances should you open that door.
• Little did they know what was coming.

Cleft Sentences

It-cleft: It was John who broke the window. (emphasizes John)

What-cleft: What I need is a holiday. (emphasizes the need)

All-cleft: All I want is some peace and quiet.

Emphatic "Do"

I do understand your concern. | She does work hard.

Fronting

Brilliant, this idea is. | Out of the house ran the children.

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