"subject-auxiliary inversion"的定义和意义

What is "subject-auxiliary inversion"?

Subject-auxiliary inversion is a grammatical structure in which the normal order of the subject and auxiliary verb is reversed, typically used to form questions or to add emphasis. In standard English, this inversion occurs when an auxiliary verb precedes the subject. For example, in the statement "She is going to the store," the subject-auxiliary inversion transforms it into the question "Is she going to the store?" This structure is also used in sentences beginning with words like "never" or "rarely," as in "Never have I seen such talent," where the auxiliary verb "have" comes before the subject "I." Understanding subject-auxiliary inversion is important for forming questions and conveying emphasis in English sentences.