Inversion

 

Inversion

We normally use inversion to ask a question or add emphasis to our point.

 

Inversion with questions

The most common form of inversion. The auxiliary or modal verb comes before the subject.
“Can you fix this bug?”

Inversions with expressions beginning with not

We normally use them to add emphasis or express annoyance. The subject and auxiliary verb are inverted after not + the initial clause:
“Not for one moment did they think to report the API failure rates.”

“Not only does the issue happen when a player moves up a level but also during scene changes.”

 

Inversion with adverbial phrases. 

We use inversion with a negative adverb or adverbial phrase at the beginning of the sentence.

“No sooner had we thought the problem was fixed than we started having issues with the threading model.”

“Under no circumstances should new software be released before testing.”

Negative clauses with neither or nor

The inversion comes in the second clause.
“They didn't fix the bugs, nor did they try.”

Inversions can be used with conditionals : replace if with the auxiliary or modal verb in formal situations.

“Had I known the deadline was next week, I would have spent more time working on it.”

“Were I you, I would pay attention to this video!”