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ESL forum >
Grammar and Linguistics > Why is this right?
Why is this right?
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spinney
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Why is this right?
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I did an exercise from a book today and my students wanted to know why this sentence had the auxiliary verb "did" in it. I had to flannel them with the excuse that it was emphatic but it clearly isn �t. Anyone know the rule on this one? or is it one of those weird things that pop up from time to time in English:
"Not until I was on my way to the airport, did I realise that I had left my passport at the hotel." 
P.S. Actually, now that I�m sitting at home and have had my dinner and am all relaxed I know the answer. Typical! Can anybody tell?
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3 Oct 2011
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marciadnr
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Hi!
it has to do with the inverted order implied by the expressing "Not only...., did I..."
Check (Michael Swan):
Inversion+adverbs
Certain expressions with a negative (broad negative) or restrictive meaning can be put at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. When it happens, inversion is used. |
3 Oct 2011
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Olindalima ( F )
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Hi
This is a fair common case of inversion for emphasis.
Kenneth Beare
" Inversion refers to an irregular verb placement form:
Examples
Not only do I enjoy classical music, but I also have a season ticket to the symphony.
Seldom has the boss been so upset! "
More examples
- Little did she know how much work was left.
- On no account must you sleep at school.
- Never should you forget who your boss is.
- Only then can you belong to me.
- Here comes the sun.
You may have alook here:
http://www.eslmonster.com/article/inversion-of-the-verb-after-certain-adverbs
Hope this can help
Have a nice day.
Linda
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3 Oct 2011
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mariec
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/learnit/learnitv293.shtml
Hi, try the above sites. I had loads of work done over the years on about almost everything,
but last Friday getting everything ready to start the academy today, I dropped my external
hard disk, which of course means I�ve lost years and years of work + lots of this site�s
wonderful printables. Sorry to moan so much, but I feel better having told somebody.
Hope you all have a great week ,
Lots of hugs |
3 Oct 2011
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Tere-arg
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You were not wrong. This structure is used for emphasis.
When you start a sentence with certain negative adverbs, you are forcing a verb inversion,
Edit: sorry...I had not read all
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3 Oct 2011
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spinney
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Thanks a bunch everybody! I figured it out as I wrote the post but I couldn �t remember what it was called. Verb inversion, eh? I �ll give them some exercises on it next week for making me think too hard! Sorry to hear about your HD Mariec. I �m going to be a lot more careful with mine now that you mention it!
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3 Oct 2011
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