When we want to give emphasis in a sentence, certain negative adverbs and adverbial phrases may be taken out of their normal position and placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause. In this emphatic construction the adverb must be followed by an auxiliary verb + subject, as in a question.
Check out some examples:
They had never been to Paris. Never had they been to Paris.
These two sentences mean the same thing. The only difference is that the second sentence is more emphatic. Some more examples:
He didn’t speak a word. Not a word did he speak.
We seldom read about that subject these days. Seldom do we read about that subject these days.
I have never heard such a story. Never have I heard such a story.
It rarely snows in Brazil. Raraely does it snow in Brazil.
The kids didn’t make a sound. Not a sound did the kids make.
The audience didn’t applaud the artist even once. Not even once did the audience applaud the artist.
He had never in all his life felt so disappointed. Never in all his life had he felt so disappointed.
You could nowhere have such fun as during Carnival in Rio. Nowhere could you have such fun as during Carnival in Rio.
I had never seen anyone so angry. Never had I seen anyone so angry.
Little girls should in no circumstances use that kind of language. In no circumstances should little girls use that kind of language.
It is never too late to learn. Never is it too late to learn.
He didn’t want to wait for us. And he didn’t want to leave a message. He didn’t want to wait for us. Nor did he want to leave us a message.
Those little pests not only steal our oranges, but they also make fun of us. Not only do those little pests steal our oranges, but they also make fun of us.
You couldn’t find anyone more stubborn than he is anywhere. Nowhere could you find someone more stubborn than he is.
There has never been a soccer player like Pelé. Never has there been a soccer player like Pelé.
It is not simple to use this kind of construction correctly, so reading and listening very attentively to when it happens is key to mastering it, so keep up the good work!
