EXERCISES ON INVERSION

I. Choose the most suitable words underlined.

1. Jim promised that he would never/ never would he tell anyone else.
2. Not until it was too late I remembered / did I remember I call Susan.
3. Hardly had we settle down in our seats than/when the lights went out.
4. Only after checking three times I was/was I certain of the answer.
5. At no time I was aware/was I aware of anything out of usual.
6. Only Mary sang Sally passed/ did they pass the final examination.
7. So the waves were high/ So high were the waves that swimming was dangerous.
8. Only when Peter has arrived / has Peter arrived can we begin the program.
9. No sooner had it stopped raining than/when the sun came out.
10. If should you leave early/ should you leave early could you leave me a lift?

II. Rewrite these sentences, using NEVER.

1. She has never been so happy before.
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. I have never heard such nonsense!
……………………………………………………………………………………
3. I have never seen such a mess in my life.
……………………………………………………………………………………
4. Our profits this year are higher than they have ever been.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. She would never again trust her own judgment when buying antiques.
……………………………………………………………………………………
6. The firm has never before laid on such a sumptuous celebration.
……………………………………………………………………………………
7. I’ve never come across such a horrifying film.
……………………………………………………………………………………
8. I have never been so moved by a Shakespeare production.
……………………………………………………………………………………
9. I never for one moment thought the consequences would be so far- reaching.
……………………………………………………………………………………
10. I had never tasted such a wonderful combination of flavors before.
……………………………………………………………………………………

II. Rewrite these sentences, using RARELY, SELDOM or LITTLE.

1. One rarely find good service these days.
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. She has rarely traveled more than fifty miles from her village.
……………………………………………………………………………………
3. It is very unusual for a military campaign to have been fought with so little loss of life.
……………………………………………………………………………………
4. It is unusual for the interior of the island to be visited by tourists.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. Public borrowing has seldom been so high.
……………………………………………………………………………………
6. They had seldom participated in such a fascinating ceremony.
……………………………………………………………………………………
7. They little suspected that the musical was going to be a runaway success.
……………………………………………………………………………………
8. The embassy staff little realized that Ted was a secret agent.
……………………………………………………………………………………
9. She didn’t realized what would happen to her next.
……………………………………………………………………………………
10. I didn’t think that one day I’d be appearing in films rather then just watching them.
……………………………………………………………………………………

III. Rewrite these sentences, using IN, AT , UNDER, or ON.

1. Keith certainly can’t be held responsible for the accident.
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. The children themselves are not in any way to blame for the disaster.
…………………………………………………………………………………
3.The existence of extraterrestrial is not confirmed by the report.
………………………………………………………………………………………
4. I was never shown how to operate the machinery.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. He never suspected that she was a witch.
……………………………………………………………………………………
6. There has never been a time when the English language was not in a state of change.
…………………………………………………………………………………...
7. Miss Weaver will not be offered the job under any circumstances.
……………………………………………………………………………………
8. You should not send money to us by post under any circumstances.
……………………………………………………………………………………
9.We can’t exchange tickets in any circumstances.
……………………………………………………………………………………
10.I won’t go out that way to visit him again on my account!
……………………………………………………………………………………

IV. Rewrite these sentences, using inversion with NOT.

1. He is my friend as well as yours.
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. He booked tickets for the afternoon performance and the evening performance as well.
……………………………………………………………………………………
3. Burglars stole a thousand pounds’ worth of electrical goods, and left the flat in an awful mess.
……………………………………………………………………………………
4. Tony was not only late, but he had left all his books behind.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. You will enhance your posture and improve your acting ability on this course.
……………………………………………………………………………………
6. It isn’t worth considering his suggestion for a moment.
……………………………………………………………………………………
7. She didn’t shed a tear when the story ended in tragedy.
……………………………………………………………………………………
8. The manager not once offered us an apology.
……………………………………………………………………………………
9. She made no sound as she crept upstairs.
……………………………………………………………………………………
10.He only thought about having a holiday abroad after he retired.
…………………………………………………………………………………

V. Rewrite these sentences, using inversion with ONLY.

1. I only realized how dangerous the situation had been when I got home.
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. It wasn’t until last week that the Agriculture Minister admitted defeat.
……………………………………………………………………………………
3. I understood Hamlet only after seeing it on the stage.
……………………………………………………………………………………
4. They didn’t get round to business until they had finished eating.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. They had to wait for twelve hours before their flight left.
……………………………………………………………………………………
6. I didn’t realize who he was until later.
……………………………………………………………………………………
7. The door could not be opened without using force.
……………………………………………………………………………………
8. I won’t agree until Tom’s apologized.
……………………………………………………………………………………
9. To get the 40% discount, you must buy all twelve books at the same time.
……………………………………………………………………………………
10.The only way you can become a good athlete is by training hard every day.
……………………………………………………………………………………
VI. Rewrite these sentences, using inversion with SHOULD.
1. If the Government were forced into another election, it would be the favourite to win.
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. If you should wish to make an appointment to see Dr Simons, she is available between 9.00 and
11.00.
……………………………………………………………………………………
3. If you should have further problems with your printer, contact your dealer for advice.
……………………………………………………………………………………
4. If you should decide to accept the post, you will be expected to start work on 1st April.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. If we hear any further news, we will be in touch immediately.
…………………………………………………………………………………
6. If you wish to take advantage of the offer, kindly tick the box on your order form.
……………………………………………………………………………………
7. If the film should be a post office success, they may be sequel.
……………………………………………………………………………………
8. If you should change your mind, there will always be a job for you here.
……………………………………………………………………………………

VII. Rewrite these sentences, using inversion with WERE OR HAD

1. If the chemical were to leak, a large area of the sea would be contaminated.
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. If Germany were to beat Romania, they would face Italy in the final.
……………………………………………………………………………………
3. If Mr Morgan were still head master, he would not permit such bad behavior.
……………………………………………………………………………………
4. If you had given it on time, you would have got a high mark.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. If she had become a lawyer, as her parents wished, she would have earn a large salary.
……………………………………………………………………………………
6. If anything has gone wrong with my plan, I would have held responsibility.
……………………………………………………………………………………
7.If it hadn’t been for Henry, I might not have met you.
……………………………………………………………………………………
8. If only they had confirmed by phone, the airline could have warned them.
……………………………………………………………………………………
9. The coast guards could have saved the vessels if they had been notified.
……………………………………………………………………………………
10. If his solicitor hadn’t advised him, he would have made a serious mistake.
……………………………………………………………………………………
VIII. Rewrite each of the following sentences with the given words in such a way that it
means the same as the sentence printed above it.
1. He spent all his money. He even borrowed some from me.
Not only_______________________________________________________
2. He had hardly left the office when the telephone rang.
 No sooner _____________________________________________________
3. I had only just put the phone down when the boss rang back.
 Hardly _______________________________________________________
4. He didn’t finish his work until the bell rang.
 Not until ______________________________________________________
5. We only began to see the symptoms of the disease after several months.
 Only _________________________________________________________
6. I have never seen anyone in my life drink as much as you.
 Never ________________________________________________________
7. A sleeping dog was lying under the table.
 Under the table _________________________________________________
8. His brother had rarely been more excited.
Rarely_________________________________________________________
9. The facts were not all made public until later.
Only__________________________________________________________
10. If I had realized what would happen, I wouldn’t have accepted the job.
Had___________________________________________________________
11. The response to our appeal was so great that we has to take on more staff.
 Such__________________________________________________________
12. Harry broke his leg, and also injured his shoulder.
Not only ______________________________________________________
13. The police didn’t at all suspect that the judge was the murderer.
 Little _________________________________________________________
14. If you do happen to see Helen, could you ask her to call me?
Should________________________________________________________
15. The bus driver can not be blamed for the accident in any way.
 In ___________________________________________________________
16. The snowfall was so heavy that all the trains had to be cancelled.
 So ___________________________________________________________
17. If the government raised interest rates. They would lose the election.
Were__________________________________________________________
18. As soon as I got into the bath, someone knocked at the door.
 No sooner _____________________________________________________
19. There was so much uncertainty that the financial markets remained closed.
Such__________________________________________________________
20. It’s not common for there to be so much rain in March.
Seldom________________________________________________________
21. You won’t allowed in until your identify has been checked.
Only__________________________________________________________
22. Just after the play started there was a power failure.
Hardly________________________________________________________
23. The Prime Minister has hardly ever made a speech as inept as this.
Rarely_________________________________________________________
24. We had only just arrived home when the police called.
Scarcely_______________________________________________________
25. Press photographers are banned from taking photographs backstage.
 On no_________________________________________________________
26. The way so much money has been spent to so little purpose must be a record.
 Never before___________________________________________________
27. The judge was taken ill just after the trial proceedings began.
 Barely________________________________________________________

IX. Complete each sentences with a suitable word or phrase.

1.…………..had we arrived at the hotel, when there was a power cut.
2………..are members of staff to accept gratuities from clients.
3. ……….Detective Dawson realized what she was to discover!.
4. ………….so many employees taken sick leave at the same time.
5. ……… to pay the full amount now, there would be a ten per cent discount.
6. I supposed, as……….most people, that I would be retiring at 60.
7. ………………..the doctor seen more difficult case.
8. ………….Jean win first prize, but she was also offered a promotion.
9. ……….will late arrival be admitted to the theatre before the interval.
10. …………one missing child been found, than another three disappeared.

X. Complete each sentence with a suitable word or phrase.

1. Scarcely …………………………….the pilot had to make an emergent landing.
2. Little ………………………….what has been going on in her absent.
3. No sooner ……………………….tan I realized I’d left my bag on the platform.
4. Only when ……………………….on the light did we notice the hole of the ceiling.
5. Not until I asked a passer –by …………………. where I was.
6. Seldom does ………………………below freezing at this time of the year.
 7. Hardly ………………….. his speech, when the minister interrupted.
8. On no account am ………………..while I am in a meeting.
9. Rarely has ………………………this school written a better composition.
10. In no way …………………….. bear responsibility for injured passengers.

XI. Rewrite each sentences so that it contains the word or words in capitals, and so that the
meaning stay the same.
a. Were Smith to resign, I might stand a chance of getting his job. IF
……………………………………………………………………………
b. Such was the demand for the tickets that people queued day GREAT
and night.
………………………………………………………………………………
c. The money is not to be paid under no circumstances. NO
………………………………………………………………………………
d. Three days passed before we arrived at the first oasis. NOT UNTIL
………………………………………………………………………………
e. Hardly had the ship left port, than a violent storm SOON AFTER
developed.
………………………………………………………………………………..
f. They would have discovered land sooner had they carried a compass IF
………………………………………………………………………………..
g. Little did Brenda know what she was letting herself in for. IDEA
………………………………………………………………………………
h. It was only when I stopped that I realized something was wrong DID I
………………………………………………………………………………
i. The accused never expressed regret for what he had done. AT NO TIME
………………………………………………………………………………
j. So exhausted were the runners that none of them finished the race. TOO.
………………………………………………………………………………

XII. Rewrite these sentences with the adverbial phrase of direction or place at the front of
clause. Use inversion where possible.
1. The people dived for cover as the bullets flew over their heads.
……………………………………………………………………………………
2. That night, just as John has predicted , a heavy snowfall came down.
……………………………………………………………………………………
3. The two men were talking in front of the station.
……………………………………………………………………………………
4. A line of police officers was behind the protesters.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. A small stream ran at the end of the street. There was an overgrown garden across the stream.
……………………………………………………………………………………
6. She could hear the sound of the tractor and suddenly it came round the corner.
……………………………………………………………………………………
7. A while pillar was in front of them and a small, marble statue stood on top of it.
……………………………………………………………………………………
8. The teacher blew a whistle and the children ran off.
……………………………………………………………………………
KEYS
I. Choose the most suitable words underlined.
1. he would never 6. passed
2. did I remember 7. so high were the waves
3. when 8. Peter has arrived
4. was I 9. than
5. was I aware 10. should you leave early
II. Rewrite these sentences, using NEVER.
1. Never before had she been so happy.
2. Never have I heard such nonsense!
3. Never in my life have I seen such a mess.
4. Never have our profits been higher than/ as higher as they are this year.
5. Never again would she trust her own judgment when buying antique.
6. Never before had the firm laid on such a sumptuous celebration.
7. Never have I come across such a horrifying film.
8. Never have I been so moved by a Shakespeare production.
9. Never for one moment did I think the consequences would be so far reaching.
10. Never before had I tasted such a wonderful combination of flavours.

III. Rewrite these sentences, using IN, AT, UNDER, or ON

1. In no way can Keith be held responsible for the accident.
2. In no way are the childrento blame for the disaster.
3. In no way is the existence of extraterrestrial life confirmed by the report.
4. At no time was I shown how to operate the machine.
5. At no time did he suspect that he was a witch.
6. At no time has the English language not been in a state of change.
7. Under no circumstance will Miss Weaver be offered the job.
8. Under no circumstance should you send money to us by post.
9. Under no circumstance can we exchange tickets.
10. On any account will I go all that way to visit him again.
IV. Rewrite these sentences, using inversion with NOT
1. Not only is he your friend, but he’s mine too.
2. Not only did he book tickets for the afternoon performance but he also booked for the
evening performance as well.
3. Not only did the burglars steal a thousand pounds’ worth of electrical goods, they also left
the flat in an awful mess.
4. Not only was Tom late, but he had left all his books behind.
5. Not only will you enhance your posture but you will (also) improve your acting ability (as
well) on this course.
6. Not for one moment is it worth considering his suggestion /is his suggestion worth
considering.
7. Not a tear did she shed when the story ended in tragedy.
8. Not once did the manager offer is an apology.
9. Not a sound did she make as she crept upstairs.
10. Not until he retired did he think about having a holiday abroad.
V. Rewrite these sentences, using inversion with ONLY
1. Only when I got home did I realize how dangerous the situation had been.
2. Only last week did the Agriculture Minister admit defeat.
 3. Only after seeing Hamlet on the stage did I understand it.
4. Only after they had finished eating did they get round to business.
5. Only after they waited for twelve hours did their flight leave.
6. Only after did I realize who she was.
7. Only by (using) force could the door be opened.
8. Only when Tom’s apologized will I agree.
9. Only when you buy all twelve books at the same time can/will you get the 40% discount.
10. Only by training hard can/will/could you become a good athlete.

VI. Rewrite these sentences, using inversion with SHOULD.

1. Should the government be forces into another election, it would be the favorite to win.
2. Should you wish to make an appointment to see Dr Simons, she is available between 9.00
and 11.00.
3. Should you have further problems with your printer, contact your deal for advice.
4. Should you decide to accept the post, you will be expected to start work on 1st April.
5. Should we hear any further news, we will be in touch immediately.
6. Should you wish to take advantage of the offer, kindly tick the box on your order.
7. Should the film be a box- office success, they may be a sequel.
8. Should you change your mind, there will always be a job for you here.

VII. Rewrite these sentences, using inversion with WERE OR HAD

1. Were the chemical to leak, a large area of sea would be contaminated.
2. Were Germany to beat, they would face Italy in the final.
3. Were Mr Morgan still headmaster, he would not permit such bad behavior.
4. Had you given it in on time, you would have got a high mark.
5. Had she become a lawyer, as her parents’ wishes, she would have earned a large salary.
6. Had anything gone wrong, I would have been held responsible.
7. Had it not been for Henry, I might not have met you.
8. Had the coast guards been notified they could have saved the vessels.
9. Had they confirmed by phone, the airline could have warned them.
10. Had it not been for his solicitor’s advice, he would have made a serious mistake.
VIII. Rewrite each of the following sentences with the given words in such a way that it
means the same as the sentence printed above it.
1. Not only did he spend all his money but she also borrowed some from me.
2. No sooner had I left the office than the phone rang.
3. Hardly had I put the phone down when the boss rang back.
4. Not until the bell rang did he finish his work.
5. Only after several months did we begin to see the symptoms of the disease.
6. Never in my life have seen anyone drink as much as you.
7. Under the table was lying a sleeping dog.
8. Rarely had his brother been more excited.
9. Only later were all the facts made public.
10. Had I realized what would happen, I wouldn’t have accepted the job.
11. Such was the responsible to our appeal that we has to take on more staff
12. Not only did Harry break his leg but he also injured his shoulder.
13. Little did the police suspect that the judgment was the murderer.
14. Should you see Helen, could you ask her to call me?
15. In no way can the bus be blamed for the accident.
 16. So heavy was the snowfall that all the trains had to be cancelled.
17. Were the government to write interest rates they would lose the election.
18. No sooner had I got into the bath than someone knocked on the door.
19. Such was the uncertainty that the financial markets remained closed.
20. Seldom is there so much rain in March.
21. Only when your identity has been checked will you be allowed in.
22. Hardly had the play started when there was a power failure.
23. Rarely has the Prime Minister made so inept a speech.
24. Scarcely had we arrived home when the police called.
25. On no account are press photographers allowed to take photographs backstage.
26. Never before has so much money been spent to so little purpose!.
27. Barely had the trial proceedings begun when the judge was taken ill.
IX. Complete each sentences with a suitable word or phrase.
1. Hardly/ Scarcely 6. do
2. Under no circumstances 7. Never had /have
3. Little did 8. Not only did
4. Never had / Rarely had 9. Under no circumstances
5. Were you 10. No sooner had
X. Complete each sentence with a suitable word or phrase. (Suggested answers)
1. had the plane taken off, when 6. the temperature fall
2. Does she know 7. had he begun.
3. had the train left 8. I to be disturbed
4. we turned. 9. a pupil at this / a student from
5. did I know 10. does the company.

XI. Rewrite each sentences so that it contains the word or words in capitals, and so that the
meaning stay the same
1. If Smith were to resign , I might stand a chance of getting his job.
2. The demand for tickets was so great that people queued night and day.
3. Under no circumstances is the money to be paid.
4. Not until three days had passed did we arrived at the first oasis/ It was not until three days
later that we arrived at the first oasis.
5. Soon after the ship left port , a violent storm developed.
6. If they had carried a compass they would have discovered the land sooner.
7. Brenda had no idea what she was letting herself in for.
8. Only when I stopped did I realize that something was wrong.
9. At no time did the accused express regret for what he has done.
10. The runners were too exhausted to finish the race.
XII. Rewrite these sentences with the adverbial phrase of direction or place at the front of
clause. Use inversion where possible.
1. ………… … as over their heads flew the bullets.
2. …………… down came a heavy snow.
3. In front of the station, the two men were talking.(no inversion)
4. Behind the protesters was a line of police officers.
5. At the end of the street ran a small stream. Across the stream was an overgrown garden.
6. ………… and suddenly round the corner it came. ( no inversion)
7. In front of them was a white pillar, and on top of it stood a small, marble statue.
8. …………….and off ran the children.