Inverted word order

If a clause begins with a negative adverb, inverted word order must usually be used, with the
subject following the Simple Present or Simple Past of the verb to be, or the first auxiliary. In
the case of the Simple Present or Simple Past of any verb other than the verb to be, the
auxiliary to do must be used. This construction is summarized below, followed by examples.

Simple form of
negative adverb + verb to be or + subject
or adverb phrase first auxiliary

Never before was I so eager to reach home.

Little did we think we would meet again.
Seldom had they tasted such a delicacy.

Following are other examples of this type of construction. The negative adverbs and adverb
phrases are printed in bold type, and the subjects of the verbs are underlined.
e.g. Seldom was he at a loss for words.
Scarcely had we left the house, when it began to rain.
Not for many years was the true story known.
No sooner did the bell ring than the children ran out of the school.
In the first example, the subject he follows was, the Simple Past of the verb to be. In the
succeeding examples, the subjects we, story and bell follow the auxiliaries had, was and did,
respectively.
In this type of inverted construction, if there is used as an introductory word, there follows
the Simple Past or Simple Present of the verb to be, or the first auxiliary.
e.g. Seldom were there more than five ducks on the pond.
Rarely had there been more swans on the lake than there were that day.
In the first example, there follows were, the Simple Past of the verb to be. In the second
example, there follows the auxiliary had, of the verb had been.

It should be noted that the expression so ... that can also be used with inverted word order.
e.g. So exhausted were we that we fell asleep at the table.
In this example, the subject we follows the verb were.

For each of the following sentences, add the negative expression shown in brackets at the
beginning of the sentence, and make any other changes that are necessary. For example:
I had reached home when I remembered the message. (hardly)
Hardly had I reached home when I remembered the message.

We had the opportunity to do whatever we wanted. (seldom)

Seldom did we have the opportunity to do whatever we wanted.

1. We had entered the room when the telephone rang. (scarcely)

2. I have seen a more beautiful ballet than that one. (never)
3. We realized that a dangerous stretch of road lay ahead of us. (little)
4. I have worked as hard as I could. (never before)
5. A writer can express his exact feelings in words. (rarely)
6. We perceive everything that is around us. (hardly ever)
7. One can find a more striking example of erosion than the Grand Canyon. (nowhere)
8. They guessed what was about to happen. (little)
9. I am entirely satisfied with my situation. (seldom)
10. One comprehends a complex situation immediately. (rarely)

Answers to Exercise 9:
1. Scarcely had we entered the room when the telephone rang. 2. Never have I seen a more
beautiful ballet than that one. 3. Little did we realize that a dangerous stretch of road lay
ahead of us. 4. Never before have I worked as hard as I could. 5. Rarely can a writer express
his exact feelings in words. 6. Hardly ever do we perceive everything that is around us. 7.
Nowhere can one find a more striking example of erosion than the Grand Canyon. 8. Little
did they guess what was about to happen. 9. Seldom am I entirely satisfied with my situation.
10. Rarely does one comprehend a complex situation immediately.