negative adverbs
include hardly, in no way (informal no way),little,neither,never,not only,only,rarely,and seldom.when negative adverbs come at the beginning of a sentence,they force inversion. in sentences or clauses beginning with a negative adverb, put the verb or auxiliary before the subject to emphasize the meaning.
a. if the verb is in the simple present or the simple past (except for the verb be),use do, does,or did after an initial negative adverb.
examples:
Only then did I understand the problem.
Only after understanding the situation does the teacher make a comment.
Little have I read concerning nanotechnology.
b. if the verb is in perfect form, place the auxiliary before the subject
examples:
Never have I been more insulted!
Seldom has he seen anything stranger.
Scarcely had I got out of bed when the doorbell rang.
JORGE PORRAS MORALES
