Inversions with negative adverbial words and phrases
|
| hardly (...... when) |
Hardly had the new law been introduced when the mistake was realised. |
| scarcely (...... when) |
Scarcely had I opened the front door when I heard a noise from the kitchen. |
| barely (...... when) |
Barely had we solved one problem when another one arose. |
| no sooner (...... than) |
No sooner had the alarm gone off than the police arrived. |
| only |
Only in an emergency should you dial 999. |
| only after |
Only after I had checked that the burglars had left did I call the police. |
| only when |
Only when we agree what measures are needed will we be able to solve the problem. |
| not until |
Not until the next election will we know how the public feel about this news. |
| at no time/point/stage |
At no point did I realise that he was the Prime Minister. |
| in no way |
In no way does this decision represent a change in government policy. |
| little |
Little did Ralph know that the burglar was still inside his house. |
| never |
Never have I heard such a ridiculous suggestion! |
| not |
Not one vote did the proposal receive. |
| not only (...... but also/too) |
Not only has this government failed but it has also stolen ideas from other parties. |
| on no account |
On no account should you try to tackle a burglar yourself. |
| rarely |
Rarely do the newspapers present a balanced view of current events. |
| seldom |
Seldom do people leaving prison stay out of trouble. |
| under no circumstances |
Under no circumstances will we accept an increase in working hours. |
