Identify it
True or false: Never I have seen such a big dog! is correct English.
False – should be Never have I seen such a big dog!
Correct this: Never I have eaten sushi.
Never have I eaten sushi.
Never ______ I heard such noise!
have
Rewrite: I have never been to London. → use Never have I…
Never have I been to London.
Which sentence uses an inversion? A) I have never tried yoga. B) Never have I tried yoga.
B
Correct this: Not only the film was long, but also boring.
Not only was the film long, but it was also boring.
Not only ______ she finish early, but she ______ help others.
did, also
Rewrite: He plays well and he sings beautifully. → start with Not only…
Not only does he play well, but he also sings beautifully.
In the sentence Not only he sings, but he also dances, what’s missing?
The auxiliary inversion (Not only does he sing, but he also dances.)
Correct this: Never have I saw such a big mistake.
Never have I seen such a big mistake.
Never ______ we imagined it would snow in May!
had
Rewrite: I’ve never felt so embarrassed. → start with Never…
Never have I felt so embarrassed.
Which word usually comes right after Never in an inversion sentence?
The auxiliary verb (e.g. have, had, do, does).
Correct this: Not only did he win, but he also broke the record!
Already correct ✅
Not only ______ they clean the house, but they ______ cook dinner.
did, also
Rewrite: She studied hard and got the job she wanted.
Not only did she study hard, but she also got the job she wanted.
Name two linking phrases that often cause inversion.
Not only… but also, Never, Rarely, Seldom, etc.
Fix both errors: Not only I have never tried skydiving, but also hate heights.
Not only have I never tried skydiving, but I also hate heights.
Never ______ I thought I’d actually pass the test!
have
Rewrite: I’ve never been so surprised in my life.
Never have I been so surprised in my life.