Advanced Grammar |

Inversion

Commonly with negative adverbial expressions for emphasis and dramatic effect.
- I have not only seen the film ->
  - Not only have I seen the film, [but] I have also read the book.
- We won't buy the next book until you behave.
  - Not until you behave will we buy you the book.
With the present or past simple forms, use 'do' or 'did'
- You not only forgot to shut the window...
  - Not only did you forget to shut the window, you also left the door unlocked!
Also used with expressions 'only when/then', 'hardly/scarcely' and 'rarely', etc.
- I finally got to the train station, only then was I able to relax.
- Rarely have I met such a self-absorbed person.
Use only occasionally for dramatic effect. Do not overuse, or risk sounding unnatural!

Retell conversations or activities that happened during your week. Try to make them sound dramatic.
Use: only after..., No sooner... than I realised..., Never in the history of..., Not until the last moment..., Not only, but...