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The English language often uses this kind of inversion to make a question, but this is not the only time that the
normal order of the subject and the verb in a sentence is inverted. Sometimes an inversion is needed; sometimes
not.
1 Questions and sentences that might look like questions
The ECPE grammar section might try to trick you with a sentence that might look like a question when it isn't.
They are bound to ask us _____.
a)
b)
c)
d)
We need "why" to complete this sentence but option c is wrong because this sentence is not a question (so we
don't want the inverted verb-subject word order). The correct answer is b.
Don't be caught out by longer questions that have the inversion in an initial phrase such as:"Could you tell
me..." "Would you mind..." etc. If there is an inversion at the beginning like this, there won't be another
inversion in the main part of the sentence. For example:
Would you be so kind as to tell me where the money is? (Not "...where is the money")
And don't be caught out by sentences used to make enquiries that are not really questions.
"I wonder if you could tell me when the next train to Houston is due." (Not "...when is the next train to Houston
due")
2 Inversions with "so", "neither" and "nor"
When "so", "neither" and "nor" are used to make short agreements they are followed by an inversion.
"I am not into hip hop."
"Neither am I." (Or: "Nor am I.")
"I am fond of flamenco dancing."
"So am I."
Or they can be used in the following way (also including an inversion).
Jennifer buys only organic fruit and vegetables, and so does Hugh.
They don't mind the higher prices, and neither do we. (Or: ...nor do we.)
3 Inversions after negative adverbials
There are some words and phrases that function as adverbials that sometimes need an inversion. Look at these
two sentences.
Should
Would
as may it seem
was it that
as it may sound
4) The boss didnt know what to do, _____ the rest of us.
so did
either
neither
nor did
Having swallowed
is it possible to
does
will it