Inversionhappens when we reverse (invert) the normal word order of a structure, most commonly the subject-verb word order. For example, a statement has the subject (s) before the verb (v), but to make question word order, we invert the subject and the verb, with an auxiliary (aux) or modal verb (m) before the subject (s):
[S]She[V]sings.
[AUX]Does[S]she[V]sing?
[S]They[AUX]are[V]working.
[AUX] [S]Are they[V]working?
[S]Joe[M]can[V]swim.
[M]Can[S]Joe[V]swim?
See also:
Questions
When does inversion happen?
The most common type of inversion is question word order (see above). Inversion also happens in other situations.
Negative adverbs
In formal styles, when we use an adverb with negative meaning (e.g.never, seldom, rarely, scarcely, hardly) in front position for emphasis, we invert the subject (s) and auxiliary (aux)/modal verb:
Never[AUX]have[S]wewitnessed such cruel behaviour by one child to another.(orWe have never witnessed…)
Seldomdoes one heara politician say ‘sorry’.(orOne seldom hears…)
Expressions beginning withnot
We also invert the subject and verb afternot+ a prepositional phrase or a clause in initial position:
Not for a moment did Ithink I would be offered the job, so I was amazed when I got it.
Not till I got home did Irealise my wallet was missing.
Hereandthere
Inversion can happen afterhere, and aftertherewhen it is as an adverb of place. Afterhereandthere, we can use a main verb without an auxiliary verb or modal verb:
Herecomes the bus!
Here’syour coffee.
I opened the door andthere stood Michael, all covered in mud.
She looked out andtherewas Pamela, walking along arm in arm with Goldie.
See also:
Negation