Inversion Have you ever heard about "Inversion"? Let me introduce you: For emphasis, certain adverbs and adverbial phrases can be put at the beginning of a sentence or clause with an inversion of the following verb; the position of the subject and verb is the same as in question forms. These structures are often used in literary or formal contexts. Forms of inversion When the verb is used in a form with an auxiliary, the structure is adverbial+auxiliary+subject+main verb. Hardly had I started speaking when he interrupted me. When the verb is used in a form with more than one auxiliary, the structure is adverbial+first auxiliary+subject+other auxiliary+main verb. Never have I been introduced to so many people in a single night. With present/past simple, the structure is adverbial+do/did+subject+main verb. Never did he consider he might be discovered. With the simple form of be, the main verb is placed before the subject. Rarely was he at home. Common examples of adverbials used in these structures are shown below. Little did I ever imagine that I would one day be working here myself. Never have I seen anything more remarkable. No sooner had she walked into the room than everyone fell silent. Not only did he cook dinner for everyone but also tidied the kitchen after everyone had gone home.