L’inversion est utilisée en anglais formel ou littéraire pour mettre l’accent sur une idée. On inverse l’ordre habituel (Sujet + Auxiliaire) pour faire (Auxiliaire + Sujet).
1. Après des adverbes négatifs ou restrictifs
C’est le cas le plus courant. On l’utilise après des mots comme Never, Rarely, Seldom, Little, Hardly.
- Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset.
- Rarely does he arrive on time.
- Little did she know that her life was about to change.
2. Après “Not only… but also”
- Not only did he lose his keys, but he also forgot his wallet.
3. Après des expressions avec “No” ou “Not”
- Under no circumstances should you open this door.
- On no account must you tell him.
4. Dans les structures conditionnelles formelles (sans IF)
- Had I known (If I had known), I would have acted differently.
- Should you need help (If you should need help), please contact us.
À toi de jouer ! ✍️
Réécris les phrases en utilisant l’inversion.
À toi de jouer ! ✍️
#1 I have never seen such a mess. -> Never I seen such a mess.
#2 He rarely goes to the gym. -> Rarely he go to the gym.
#3 She little knew what was happening. -> Little she know what was happening.
#4 You should not open this door under any circumstances. -> Under no circumstances you open this door.
#5 If I had known, I would have come. -> I known, I would have come.
#6 He not only forgot my birthday, but he also didn't call. -> Not only he forget my birthday, but...
#7 They had hardly started when it began to rain. -> Hardly they started when...
#8 If you need any information, contact us. -> you need any information, contact us.
#9 I have seldom heard such a talented singer. -> Seldom I heard such a talented singer.
#10 He will only then realize his mistake. -> Only then he realize his mistake.