Inversion in films and TV shows: lesson ideas

There are some grammar topics in English that take a great deal to grasp and to explain in a way students would understand and later use in their speech. Even more, it might be a challenge to explain or show the necessity of the topic at all. Inversion may be one of those topics. I personally feel great pleasure and excitement when I hear some students use inverted structures in a speech in the right way at the right moment. However, some students don’t see the necessity to study inversions. How to make them change their minds? Show examples from real life! 

What is an inversion? 

It is a reverse (inverted/not regular) order of words in a sentence to emphasize what you say. It is usually “subject-verb” order used with negative adverbs and adverb phrases. Inversion is considered to make you sound more formal.

This article is to show that inversion is actually used. Not only is it used in a formal way or a situation but also in a daily speech as well to add some dramatic effect. So, here is the list of tasks with films, TV shows quotes full of inversion. 

Task 1 — Grammar presentation 

• Ask the student to read two sentences, compare them and guess what inversion is used for.
  1. Punishment is rarely severe for attackers who are found guilty.
  2. Rarely is punishment severe for attackers who are found guilty.
• Ask the student to look at the tables below and guess how to form sentences with inversion. 

1. Inversion in the first part of a sentence:
   
   
2. Inversion in the second part of a sentence:

• Ask to read examples and come up with the new ones. In addition, the student can try rephrasing sentences below omitting/changing inversion.                         

Examples of inversion 

1. Not only …but …

Not only did they buy a new house but also they planted a tree. 

2. Never…

Never have I ever seen such a beautiful place. 

3. Only then …

Only then will you understand the meaning of life. 

4. Little…

Little do they know what these changes mean. 

5. Under no circumstances …

Under no circumstances will you understand what I felt that day. 

6. Rarely …

Rarely does he visit his relatives in the suburbs. 

7. Had … (third conditional)

Had he come here, he would have enjoyed the party. 

8. Were ….(second conditional)

Were you to solve the problem then, we would be at a different position. 

9. Should …. (first conditional)

Should you need my help, you will get it immediately. 

10. Only when …

Only when I had finished all my projects could I relax. 

Task 2 — Controlled practice

• Students change the quotes from films with inversion into a normal sentence

1. But I am certain, should you say who I am, our adventure would end abruptly.
2. Were you to hear it, your mind would cave in and your heart would explode.
3. Had it been available back then, I would have prescribed it for Emily after she miscarried.
4. There are assholes all over the city, but rarely do you get to be next to one so spectacular.
5. Little do I know that my assistant assumed that I’ve now proposed.
6. Under no circumstances do we reveal ourselves as officers of the law.
7. Only then will you understand what happened and why.
8. I have seen much but never have I encountered men such as yourselves.
9. Okay, so not only did they survive this, but they came back and ate our freaking lunch.
10. No way in hell do you know my pain. 

Keys (possible answers):

1. But I am certain, if you say who I am, our adventure would end abruptly. Meet Joe Black (1998)
2. If you heard it, your mind would cave in and your heart would explode. Dogma (1999)
3. If it had been available back then, I would have prescribed it for Emily after she miscarried. Side Effects (2013)
4. There are assholes all over the city, but you rarely get to be next to one so spectacular. Comet (2014)
5. I didn’t even know/I had no idea that my assistant assumed I’ve now proposed. Jerry Maguire (1996)
6. We don’t reveal ourselves as officers of the law under any circumstances. Nobel Son (2008)
7. You will understand what happened only then. A River Runs Through It (1992)
8. I have seen much but I have never encountered men such as yourselves. The Good Guys: Pilot (2010)
9. They not only survived this but also they came back and ate our freaking lunch. Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
10. There is no way you know my pain. How to get away with murder S6E3

• Students should try to come up with original quotes from films using inversion

1. The youngest brother shed the Cloak of Invisibility when he got really old (attained a great age). (only when) 
2. You lost (screwed up) and also your crew was arrested. (not only)
3. You hardly ever hear of a manager that no one can talk about. (seldom)
4. We don’t want you to relate to each other on any account. (under no circumstances)
5. He ordered his men to return fire only then. (only then)
6. I think you knew that she was pregnant and you are the father. (not only)

Keys:

1. Only when he attained a great age did the youngest brother shed the Cloak of Invisibility. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)
2. You lost. And not only did you lose your entire crew got pinched. Ocean’s Twelve (2004)
3. And very seldom do you ever hear of a manager that no one can talk about. Chasing Madoff (2011)
4. Under no circumstances do we want anyone of you to relate to each other. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
5. Only then did he order his men to return fire. Rules of Engagement (2000)
6. Not only did you know she was pregnant but, I think, you’re the father. Lie to me S2E15

Well, inverted structures are not the easiest nuts to crack but definitely, it is worth trying. As it might be quite interesting for students, especially for those who love grammar.