English Grammar Rules



Inversion of subject and verb

<p>In English, the usual order of words in a sentence is <strong>subject + verb + object</strong>. Sometimes certain adverbs come at the beginning of the sentence. This order is then inverted and the verb comes before the subject.</p>

<p>Study the following sentences.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Scarcely had</strong> I stepped out when the telephone rang.</li>
<li><strong>Hardly had </strong>I reached the station when the train departed.</li>
<li><strong>No sooner had </strong>she read the telegram than she started crying.</li>
<li><strong>Never have</strong> I seen such a mess.</li>

</ul>
<p>Note that the sentences given above can also be written with normal word order.</p>
<ul>
<li>I <strong>had scarcely</strong> stepped out when the telephone rang.</li>
<li>I <strong>had hardly</strong> reached the station when the train departed.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Exercise</strong></p>

<p>Rewrite the following sentences, putting the adverb first and inverting the subject and verb.</p>
<p>1. I have seldom heard such a beautiful voice.<br />
2. He had hardly sat down for dinner when someone knocked at the door.<br />
3. I have never heard such utter nonsense.<br />
4. They not only looted the shop, but also set fire to it.</p>
<p><strong>Answers</strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Seldom have</strong> I heard such a beautiful voice.<br />
<strong>2. Hardly had</strong> he sat down for dinner when someone knocked at the door.<br />

<strong>3. Never have </strong>I heard such utter nonsense.<br />
<strong>4. Not only did</strong> they loot the shop, but also set fire to it.</p>