Negative adverbials followed by an inverted verb 2
Certain negative adverbials can be used first in sentences to give greater emphasis to a statement or to make language more formal.
The verb is inverted:
Only now do I understand what she meant.
Not once did he attempt to speak to me.
Not only did he ignore most of his friends, he even acted as if he’d never met them in his life! Strange!
On no account are you to arrange to meet a complete stranger on your own!
We use them in informal language too:
*No way can I finish my essay today.
No way would I have tolerated her working conditions.
*No way means ‘it’s completely impossible’, or ‘out of the question’
Can you start the sentences or clauses below with the negative adverbials given?
1 He’s been registered at the agency for nearly two years, but it’s only now that they’ve contacted him about any work. (only now ….)
2 There is no way he would have a decent night’s sleep in a bed as uncomfortable as that one.(No way….)
3 I think Tom will prove a highly unsuitable husband for Jane, but I would on no account tell her so! (on no account….)
4 The Managing Director wants the audit finished by the end of today, but there is no way I can do it. (No way…..)
5 He had an interesting career in the navy but it wasn’t until recently that he was able to talk about it.(not until recently….)