Inversion: Only, Little, So and Such

Reference

Common mistakes

1. Only when did I read it I understood. → Only when I read it did I understand.
   invert the main clause
2. Little she knew about the plan. → Little did she know about the plan.
   little + did + subject
3. So nervous she was that she forgot. → So nervous was she that she forgot.
   so + adjective + be + subject
4. Here comes it! → Here it comes!
   pronoun → no inversion

Inversion: Only, Little, So and Such — Exercises

Choose the correct form

Circle the correct answer.

1. Only when the film ended _____ how late it was. (did we realise / we realised / we did realise)
2. Not until she called _____ that something was wrong. (did I know / I knew / knew I)
3. Little _____ that the house was haunted. (did they know / they knew / knew they)
4. So loud _____ that the neighbours complained. (was the music / the music was / did the music)
5. _____ his anger that he couldn't speak. (Such was / So was / Such did)
6. In the middle of the square _____ a statue of the king. (stood / did stand / it stood)
7. Look — here _____ ! (she comes / comes she / does she come)
8. Only after the exam _____ relax. (could I / I could / I can)

Rewrite with inversion

Complete the second sentence so it means the same. Use the word in capitals.

1. She was so nervous that she forgot her lines. (SO) →   that she forgot her lines.
2. I only understood when I read the letter. (ONLY) →   the letter did I understand.
3. The noise was so loud that we left. (SUCH) →   the noise that we left.
4. I didn't realise until later. (NOT) →   later did I realise.
5. She had no idea what was happening. (LITTLE) →   what was happening.
6. A large oak tree stood on the hill. (STOOD) → On the hill   .

Inversion: Only, Little, So and Such — Answer Key

Choose the correct form

1. did we realise — Invert the main clause → did we realise.
2. did I know — Not until … + did I know.
3. did they know — Little + did they know.
4. was the music — So + adj + was the music.
5. Such was — Such was + noun + that.
6. stood — Place + verb + subject → stood.
7. she comes — Pronoun → no inversion: here she comes.
8. could I — Only after … + could I.

Rewrite with inversion

1. So nervous was she
2. Only when I read
3. Such was
4. Not until
5. Little did she know
6. stood a large oak tree