Sometimes in English a sentence begins with a negative phrase, which is followed by a question structure (Auxiliary verb + Subject + verb), rather than the positive sentence structure of subject + (auxiliary) verb. For example:
- Little did I know, we would never make that flight.
- Not only did it cost a lot, but the quality was poor.
- No sooner had I arrived than the party was over.
These are among the most common phrases which use this negative structure. They use negative phrases like ‘Little’, ‘not’, and ‘no’ at the beginning of the sentence.
This structure adds emphasis, making the sentence more dramatic. So, you may see these structures on books, shows and films when people are shocked, upset or angry.
Negative adverbial phrases can be categorized into certain phrases which are followed by the question structure, even though the sentence is not a question.
The chart below outlines these common phrases, the patterns that follow them and some examples for each structure.
1. Little, Never, Seldom, Rarely
These adverbs of frequency (never, seldom, rarely) are often used to talk about experiences and pinions and are most commonly followed by Present or Past Perfect or a modal verbs like can, could or would.
‘Little did I know’ is perhaps one of the most well known of these phrases.
2. No sooner, Hardly, Scarcely, Barely
These phrases are generally used when one action is interrupted or followed quickly by another action. We use ‘than’ with ‘No sooner …’ and ‘when’ with ‘Hardly’, ‘Scarcely’, and ‘Barely’. They are most often used with the Past Perfect.
3. Not and No Phrases
There are many phrases with ‘Not’ and ‘No’ to form negative adverbial structures, the chart outlines the most common ones. Here are a few others:
- On no account will the government reverse the decision.
- On no condition could we agree to this proposal.
- No longer will people accept these conditions.
4. Only Phrases
Similar to the ‘Only afterwards’ and ‘Only later’ examples above, we could use adverbs of frequency (occasionally, rarely) to say something is uncommon. We cannot say ‘Only always’, ‘Only never’ or ‘Only usually’. For example:
- Only occasionally do I have to travel for work.
- Only rarely is there a chance of major incident.