Subject-Verb Inversion?

[DaCastle]

Can this occur also in subordinate clauses(adverbial, noun, or adjective clauses)?
Or can it be any time any place, if the conditions for the inversion are met?

Thanks, TestMagic



Edited by - DaCastle on 02/16/2002 08:33:07

[Erin]

Great question!!

Yes, subject-verb inversion can occur in many places. Inversion has to do with verbs (since the subject goes before the verb), so it can occur anywhere we have a verb. If we use inversion in a subordinate clause, however, the sentence would be somewhat difficult to understand, but still grammatically correct.

Look at these examples:

• Scientists hypothesize that there exists a certain type of particle that can travel faster than the speed of light.
• Although never once did I tell her the date of my birthday, Linda knew that yesterday was my birthday and gave me a nice card.

Hope that helps!

[irinka]

Hi, everybody!
I was taught if there is an emphatic "carrying the sentence stress" auxiliary in any clause (both matrix or subordinate) then the subject-auxiliary inversion is possible, any truth to that? (just as in your example, Erin, can it depend on the sentence stress?) thanks...

[irinka]

me again,
the term itself "subject-verb inversion" is not that accurate, as only the auxiliaries (modals, aspectuals, dummy do and passives) can undergo inversion. The main verbs do not invert with the subject.