The normal order of words in a sentence is subject, verb and object. But sometimes certain adverbs are put first and then this order is inverted, and the verb comes before the subject. Study the following sentences: The game had scarcely started when the rain came pouring down. Scarcely had the game started when the rain came pouring …
When the first word of the sentence is a negative, the main verb comes before the subject, as in a direct question. Common negative expressions are: never, hardly, no sooner, scarcely etc. Incorrect: Never I have seen such a sight. Correct: Never have I seen such a sight. Incorrect: Hardly I have had any rest …
We put an auxiliary verb before the subject of a clause in several different structures. This is called inversion. Consider the statement She is coming with us, in which the subject she precedes the auxiliary is. In the corresponding YES/NO question Is she coming with us?, the auxiliary is comes before the subject she. Note …
When To Put The Auxiliary Verb Before The Subject? Read More »
