Complex negative and restrictive inversion

Control inversion after multi-part restrictive expressions and distinguish the clause in which inversion is required.

When do we use it?

Use inversion accurately after not only, no sooner, hardly, only by and little.

Form

Invert the clause immediately governed by the fronted restrictive expression; preserve the required tense pairing.

• No sooner had we arrived than it began.
• Only by cooperating can we succeed.
• Little did they suspect the truth.

Key contrast

At C2, grammar is a resource for controlling perspective, density, rhythm and register, not merely avoiding error.

Common mistakes

• No sooner we had arrived when it began. → No sooner had we arrived than it began.
• Only by working we can succeed. → Only by working can we succeed.

Remember

Control inversion after multi-part restrictive expressions and distinguish the clause in which inversion is required.

Quick check

• Identify the information focus and logical relationship.
• Check auxiliary order, reference and complement pattern.
• Choose the option that is idiomatic in the intended register.