The Grammar Lab: Inversion for Emphasis

The Grammar Lab: Inversion

Lesson 13: Emphasis & Drama (Advanced)

Adding Drama

Inversion means putting the verb before the subject (like a question), even though it is a statement. We use it to sound formal, surprised, or dramatic.

[Trigger Word] + Auxiliary + Subject + Main Verb

ចំណាំ៖ This usually happens with negative words like "Never" or "Rarely."

Negative Adverbs Never / Rarely

When these words start a sentence, we must invert.

Never have I seen this.	មិនដែលឃើញសោះ
Rarely do we eat out.	កម្រនឹងញ៉ាំក្រៅ
Seldom does he cry.	កម្រយំ

"Only" Phrases Time & Condition

Used when emphasizing a specific time or condition.

Only then did I know.	ពេលនោះទើបខ្ញុំដឹង
Only later will you see.	ចាំពេលក្រោយទើប...

Dropping "If" Formal

We can remove "If" in conditionals by moving the auxiliary verb to the front.

Had I known...	(If I had known)
Should you need help...	(If you should need)
Were I rich...	(If I were rich)

Drama Switch

Click to turn the Normal sentence into an Inverted one.

I have never been so happy.Normal

He rarely speaks.Normal

I understood only then.Normal

If I had known...Normal

Quick Check

1. Never _____ such a beautiful sunset.

2. Rarely _____ on time.

3. _____ you have any questions, please ask.