We previously looked at Inversion in the Use of English section and if you're new to the whole inversion grammar, then check out Part 1 and Part 2 of Inversion Grammar.
In this lesson, we'll look at how to use Inversion in the Writing and Speaking section of the exam.
Why use inversion?
The simple answer is, "to demonstrate that you are able to use complex structures in a meaningful way". In the writing section, 5 out of 20 points are reserved for Language, that is Grammar and Vocabulary. A score of 3 is considered a pass, but in order to get 4 or 5 (in the CAE), then you will need to show that you can use advanced grammatical structures, and use them in a natural way.
Similarly, in the speaking section, 5 out of 30 points is reserved just for grammar. By using all your basic tenses and structures correctly, you'll get a 3 and pass, but to achieve a higher score, you will need to use more advanced grammatical structures.
Let's explore how to use specific inversion structures in both the [w]riting and [s]peaking sections.
Not only... but also...
This structure will be your 'go to' structure, as it is easy to produce and can be used in numerous topics and text types. Remember that the purpose of this structure is to show that somebody or something possesses not just one quality, but two, and that both of those qualities are indeed great or terrible (depending on your intended meaning). Let's have a look at some examples. [w] indicates writing and [s] indicates speaking.
[w] Imagine you have a formal text (essay, report or proposal) that asks you to discuss ways to reduce traffic in your city. Suppose that 'investment in public transport' is one of the proposed solutions. To show the benefits of this solution, you can use 'not only... but also...' "... by investing in the city's train network, we would be able to increase the number of lines to remote suburbs and also increase the frequency at which trains run. Not only would this incentivise people who live in the suburbs to stop using their own vehicles, but with also more trains, it would bring in greater revenue for the government."
[w] In the conclusion of an essay, you are to choose from one of the two points discussed, and say why it is better/more important/more influential etc. Let's use the same scenario as above. "In light of the above, it is clear that much needs to be done in order to alleviate the effects of growing traffic. Investment in a city's public transportation system is by far the more optimal choice as I believe that not only will an upgraded train or bus network encourage more people to use it, but it will also benefit the government through long-term revenue collection."
[w] You can even use this structure in an informal or semi-formal text. Let's use a film review as an example. "What impressed me most about The Intouchables was the acting by the lead actor, Omar Sy. Not only was his performance engaging and endearing, but the way he developed his relationship with his co-star was moving beyond belief."
[w] In a letter of complaint. "The way the receptionist behaved towards me and my family left me in utter disbelief. Not only was he confrontational and rude, but he also left my wife in tears after the exchange at check-in."
[w] In a letter to your friends about coming to visit you in your home country. "I'm absolutely thrilled that you're coming to visit me in Australia. I can't help but say that not only are you going experience some of the world's best beaches, but the diversity of cuisines here is second to none."
[s] Q: What do you like to do in your free time? "I'm very passionate about surfing. I've been surfing since I was 8 years old when my father got me a surfboard for my birthday. It also helped that we lived close to the beach when I was growing up. It really is a great sport. Not only do you get that adrenaline feeling coursing through your veins as you're riding the crest of a wave, but it's also an intense workout as well. Have you ever seen an avid surfer with a less-than-average body?"
Rarely/Never have I...
This structure is typically informal so has very limited uses in essays, reports and proposals. However, it is very useful in reviews, letters/emails, and articles (FCE only). The purpose of using this will be to emphasise the fact that you either 'never' or 'rarely' see something so amazing or terrible in your life. In other words, you're going to describe something as the best or worst thing you have ever experienced or seen in your life.
[w] Using 'never' or 'not once in my life' in a film review. "There are so many commendable things to say about this movie, yet never have I seen such a brilliant and engaging performance by both the lead actors."
[w] Using 'rarely' in a review. "Sci-fi action flicks seem to be on trend these days, and there's certainly no shortage of them on the silver screen. Yet, rarely do you see one such as this that is worthy of an Oscar nomination for its witty script and endearing characters."
Little...
Little is often used to show how little knowledge somebody has about an event or situation. Because it can be used in any tense and in any time, it can be quite tricky to use. This structure is typically used with the verbs know, realise, expect and understand, to name a few.
[w] In the introduction of an essay about the need to preserve cultural heritage and what the government can do to solve this problem. "For many communities around the world, their history and culture have spanned centuries, if not millennia. Yet in this day and age, with the rise of digital media and tablet devices, today's youth are increasingly losing touch with their roots. Little do they realise how important it is to foster this connection with the past, because without it, a large part of their identity will be lost."
[s] Q: What is the best thing about where you grew up? "The food. Definitely the food. Often the media tends to portray Sydney as a haven of beautiful beaches and perhaps as the home of one of the world's most beautiful harbours. But for me, food is so much more. Little do visitors realise how lucky Sydney-siders are because of the melting pot of various cultures, from the popular European cuisines like Spanish or French to Far East countries like China and Japan, but not to mention the highly underrated food of Vietnam and Malaysia."
"No sooner..." or "Hardly/Barely/Scarcely..."
We use these structures to emphasise that one action happened immediately after another. This is used in the past often to recount a story or a series of events.
[w] In a letter of complaint to recount the terrible events that took place. "It all started when we arrived. I had previously booked a romantic table by the window, but somehow the table had already been occupied. We were then directed to the sole available table nearest the restrooms. This was hardly befitting the anniversary dinner I had expected and, not in the least, planned. No sooner had we sat down than we were overcome with a most unpleasant odour emanating from the bathrooms."
[s] Q: Have you celebrated anything recently? "Actually yes. It was my birthday last week. Even though I'm in a new country, I was still able to celebrate it with my new found friends. Funnily enough, it was a surprise party though. A classmate said we should have a beer one night after class, so I said why not. So I went to the pub that we had arranged to meet at and hardly had I went upstairs to meet him when the whole class, and even the teacher, surprised me with a loud Happy Birthday! To say the least, I had the surprise of my life."
I hope that gives you an idea of how we can use inversion in your writing and speaking section. Remember that all of these structures can be said in a much simpler and more common way.
As soon as I arrived, the whole class surprised me. (this is a very normal way of saying this) No sooner had I arrived than the whole class surprised me. (using inversion to say the same thing)
So in order to use inversion, try to remember that as soon as you produce a sentence, think to yourself, "Can I rewrite this in a more sophisticated way?" If you begin to use it more and more in your writing, it will slowly transfer into your speaking.
But the most important thing to remember is don't use it too much in one go. It will end up sounding awkward and unnatural.
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