Unit 6 - Education
Inversions
Add emphasis with inverted structures using so and such.
1. From Standard to Emphatic
Standard order: She has finished her homework.
Inversion: So quickly has she finished her homework that everyone was impressed.
Inversions add emphasis or a dramatic tone.
2. Structures
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| So + adjective/adverb + auxiliary + subject + main verb | Emphasise degree | So loudly did he complain that the manager apologised. |
| Such + (adjective) + noun + auxiliary + subject + main verb | Emphasise quality or quantity | Such a challenging task was it that we needed extra time. |
Auxiliary placement
Bring the auxiliary verb (did, has, were) before the subject. If there isn’t one, add do/does/did.
3. Variations
- So + adjective + a/an + noun
- So impressive a presentation was it that the client signed immediately.
- Such + plural/uncountable noun
- Such dedicated team members were they that the project finished early.
4. Practice
- Transform three ordinary sentences into inversions using so.
- Create two such inversions with plural nouns.
- Use an inversion to comment on a recent success or challenge.
Quick Review
- Inversion = auxiliary + subject + main verb for emphasis.
- Use so with adjectives/adverbs, such with noun phrases.
- Add do/does/did if the verb doesn’t already have an auxiliary.