Inversion for Emphasis

Never (before), Rarely, Seldom

Never have I ever met somebody like you. (Dua Lipa talking about teacher Diogo...)

I have never (ever) met somebody like you. (no emphasis here)

Never have I imagined that my neighbors would invite me for such an important dinner.

Rarely does Diogo write to his family in England.

Seldom do we have goods returned to us because they are faulty.

Seldom do we have this kind of complaint.

We seldom have this kind of complaint. (no emphasis here)

Rarely do we get out when it’s cold.

Not only have we discussed about it, we have also written a lot to practice it.

Not only are we ready, we are also working on it.

Hardly had everybody arrived when Diogo decided to start the party.

as in: Only after, Only later, Only once, Only then, Only when...

She bought a newspaper and some milk was spilt on the floor. Only later did she realize that the whole kitchen had a sticky floor.

Only once have my teachers noticed that I was hyperactive.

Only once my teachers have noticed that I was hyperactive. (not emphatic at all)

Only once have I been to Gernika.

Only if you have great vocabulary will you start using properly the structure of the language.

*Only after she bought the tickets DID she realize that

*Only when she apologizes will I speak to her again.

*Only when you bring your homework (related to this subject) will we be able to study a new piece of grammar.

*As it may be noticed, the inversion in phrases starting with "only after" and "only when" occur in the second clause.

Only by chance could those different characters meet in the same city and start a defining band just like Aerosmith did.

Only by chance had Carl discovered where the birds were nesting.

Only by chance (and a lot of luck) could I have met such a crazy patient woman like the one I got married with.

At no time, In no way, On no account, Under/ In no circumstances

At no time did they actually break the rules of the game.

Under no circumstances are passengers permitted (allowed) to open the doors themselves.

In no way will I allow you to go to this party, young boy.

Not until you put yourself in this position (that) will you understand a parent’s protective behaviour.

*As it may be noticed, the inversion in phrases starting with "not until" and "only when" occur in the second clause.

Ibai