Inversion can seem a bit over-the-top, and more often than not, I find students thinking "What's the point? When am I going to use this?"
The honest answer, you're probably not going to use much in your life. That being said, it does often appear in the Cambridge Advanced and Proficiency exams in the Use of English section, and it certainly has its benefits when used correctly in the Writing and Speaking sections, as well.
In case you missed the explanation of what Inversion, don't miss the 2-part lesson (Part 1 and Part 2) on the Inversion form.
In this lesson, we'll look at Inversion in the Use of English. Check out the next lesson for Inversion in the Writing and Speaking.
Inversion in the Use of English: Part 2
Inversion often appears in Parts 2 of the Use of English.
In Part 2, elements of the limiting adverb, the auxiliary verb, or linking words are common answers.
For example:
Complete the gaps with one word only.
Little (1)______ we expect the misfortunes we would run into on our last holiday. Having travelled 28 hours across 3 different continents, we were finally relieved to arrive at our destination. We were looking forward to a hot bath, a meal and some rest. Yet, no sooner had we arrived at the gates of the hotel (2)______ we realised the hotel had shutdown. Not a light was to be seen on the hotel premises. We flagged down another taxi and set out to find alternative accommodation. We were besieged with yet more problems. Not (3)______ did the driver inform us that vacancies would be scarce, but if there were any, the cost would exorbitant. Despite this, no (4)______ were we going to allow these setbacks to defeat us...
Answers:
did (did follows the adverb little. it is past simple because it's a finished action)
than (than connects the two clauses in a 'no sooner' structure)
only (not only ... but also)
way (in no way structure)
This is not reflective of an actual Part 2 that you would encounter as all the questions here focus on Inversion. Typically, only 1 of the 8 questions would actually be related to Inversion. But the difficulty remains in recognising which question is Inversion, and then which structure it is testing.
Let's try another one. This time, there's only one question based on Inversion.
Complete the gaps with one word only.
Standing, or at least floating, majestically in your harbour, cruise ships can be an alternative to a typical overseas holiday. You can do away (1)______ the time wasted queuing in airports or waiting to board. No more cramped little seats tucked away at the back of the plane; even the cheapest of cabins is a great (2)______ more comfortable than flying economy.
But the enjoyment takes place beyond your room. Not (3)______ you walk the cavernous halls of your cruise ship will you realise the grandeur of what you are getting yourself into. With several restaurants to enjoy and countless retail outlets, there is never a dull moment when you are sailing the seas. (4)______ you are not big on vegetables and fish, there is always a steakhouse on board. Perhaps you are one of the indecisive types, then the all-you-can-eat buffet might be up your alley.
What about after you eat? You could sit back, relax and enjoy one of the many shows or performances from live musical artists (5)______ astounding magicians pulling rabbits from hats. You could even try your hand or two with your favourite game, whether it be blackjack, poker or roulette to name a few. For the more adventurous types, passengers can also enjoy a climbing wall, zip-line, bowling or (6)______ of the many pools scattered around the ship.
Whether you are 12 or 82, travelling with a family or yearning (7)______ a romantic vacation, there is something special for all ages. (8)______ not try a cruise holiday when you next have some time off?
Answers:
with (to do away with sth = get rid of or stop using sth)
deal (adv 'a great deal' = a lot)
until (not until + time phrase + inversion)
If (conditional sentence)
to (from sth to sth)
one (one from a number of sth)
for (to yearn for sth = to desire/long/miss sth)
Why (why not do sth = offering or suggesting sth)
Inversion in the Use of English: Part 4
Inversion may appear in Part 4 of the test. Again, you will need to be able to recognise if inversion is being tested or not. There are two things you can check:
Does the answer or the clause containing the answer begin with a Limiting Adverb? (e.g. No sooner had, Under no circumstances etc.)
Does the meaning fit with the function of any particular inversion structure? (e.g. No sooner had... = 1 action happening immediately after another)
Let's have a look at some examples:
Complete the gaps with 3-6 words using the keyword given. Do not change the keyword.
As soon as she disassembled her computer, she realised she needed to access a file. APART No sooner ________________________________ than she realised she needed to access a file.
They really had no idea how difficult starting another language would be. TAKE Little did they realise how difficult ________________________________ another language.
She only remembered to take the tag off her new sweater after she arrived at the party TURNED Not until she ________________________________ she remember to take the tag off her new sweater.
Employees are prohibited from accessing the site without proper safety equipment. CIRCUMSTANCES Under ________________________________ the site without proper safety equipment.
The people would become furious if the government increased tolls on all the highways. RAISE Were ________________________________ on all the highways, the people would become furious.
This is the best display of acting I have ever seen in my life. SUCH Never ________________________________ of acting in my life.
Answers:
had she taken her computer apart
it would be to take up
turned up at the party did
no circumstances should employees access
the government to raise tolls
have I seen such a display
When it comes to inversion, the possibilities are diverse. There are numerous structures within this grammar point, and it may manifest itself in the Part 2 or 4 of the Use of English. Though it is unlikely that there will be more than one testing inversion in any one section of the test, the difficulties lies with being able to recognise that one question that tests inversion.
Check out the next lesson on how to use inversion in the Writing and Speaking sections of the exam.
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