Inversion

A. Auxiliary inversion

Subject + Auxiliary verb + Main Verb => Auxiliary verb + Subject + Main verb

Little did I know that you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles

De:

Es:

Fr:

Gr: "Δεν ήξερα ότι ήσουν ο Ρωμαίος, ότι πετούσες βότσαλα"

It:

Pt:

Ro:

Tr:

Taylor Swift - Love Story (2008)

Never have I ever met somebody like you

De:

Es:

Fr:

Gr: "Ποτέ μου δεν ξανασυνάντησα κάποιον σαν εσένα"

It:

Pt:

Ro:

Tr:

Dua Lipa - Love Again (2020)

Joey, if you're hurting, so am I

De:

Es:

Fr:

Gr: "Αν πονάς, το ίδιο κάνω κι εγώ"

It:

Pt:

Ro:

Tr:

Concrete Blonde - Joey (1990)

B. Full inversion (no auxiliary)

Subject + Main verb => Main verb + Subject

Here comes the rain again, falling on my head like a memory

De:

Es:

Fr:

Gr: "Έρχεται η βροχή πάλι, πέφτοντας στο κεφάλι μου σαν ανάμνηση"

It:

Pt:

Ro:

Tr:

Eurythmics - Here Comes The Rain Again (1983)

B. 2. Stylistic inversion (mainly with the verb “BE”)

This form is used in poetry and song lyrics. It is rare in everyday English.

Cruel is the night that covers up your fears. Tender is the one that wipes away your tears

De:

Es:

Fr:

Gr: "Σκληρή είναι η νύχτα που καλύπτει τους φόβους σου. Τρυφερή είναι αυτή που σκουπίζει τα δάκρυά σου."

It:

Pt:

Ro:

Tr:

Eurythmics - The Miracle of Love (1986)

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