Blog about English
Using inversion, fronting and cleft sentences for emphasis.
Practice: build the sentences →English can change normal word order or use special constructions to emphasize particular information.
Common devices include inversion, fronting, cleft sentences, pseudo-clefts, emphatic do, and restrictive expressions placed at the beginning of a clause.
Never have I seen such a thing.
Никогда я не видел такого.
Inversion places the auxiliary "have" before the subject "I" for emphasis.
It was John who called me.
Это Джон мне позвонил.
A cleft sentence focuses attention on "John" using "It was ... who".
What I need is more time.
Что мне нужно, так это больше времени.
A pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "more time".
I do understand your point.
Я действительно понимаю твою точку зрения.
Emphatic "do" adds emphasis to the affirmative statement.
Only then did she realize the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Fronted restrictive "Only then" triggers inversion "did she realize".
This book I really enjoyed.
Эту книгу я действительно наслаждался.
Object fronting places "This book" at the beginning for emphasis.
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
Negative adverbial "Rarely" triggers inversion "does he complain".
It was yesterday that we received the news.
Именно вчера мы получили новость.
It-cleft focuses on the time "yesterday".
Inversion places an auxiliary or another verb before the subject in structures where normal declarative order would place it after the subject.
For example, Never have I seen such a thing.
Never have I seen such a thing.
Никогда я не видел такого.
Inversion places the auxiliary "have" before the subject "I".
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
Inversion places the auxiliary "does" before the subject "he".
Only then did she realize the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Inversion places the auxiliary "did" before the subject "she".
Hardly had I arrived when the meeting started.
Едва я прибыл, как началось собрание.
Inversion places the auxiliary "had" before the subject "I".
No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain.
Как только мы прибыли, начался дождь.
Inversion places the auxiliary "had" before the subject "we".
Not only did she finish the project, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила проект, но и улучшила его.
Inversion places the auxiliary "did" before the subject "she".
Only after the meeting did I understand the problem.
Только после собрания я понял проблему.
Inversion places the auxiliary "did" before the subject "I".
Had I known about the problem, I would have acted differently.
Если бы я знал о проблеме, я бы действовал иначе.
Conditional inversion places "Had" before the subject "I".
Negative or strongly restrictive adverbials at the beginning of a clause can trigger subject-auxiliary inversion in formal or emphatic English.
For example, Never have I seen such a beautiful place and Rarely does he complain.
Never have I seen such a beautiful place.
Никогда я не видел такого красивого места.
The negative adverbial "Never" triggers inversion "have I seen".
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
The negative adverbial "Rarely" triggers inversion "does he complain".
Hardly had I arrived when the meeting started.
Едва я прибыл, как началось собрание.
The negative adverbial "Hardly" triggers inversion "had I arrived".
No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain.
Как только мы прибыли, начался дождь.
The negative adverbial "No sooner" triggers inversion "had we arrived".
Not only did she finish the project, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила проект, но и улучшила его.
The negative adverbial "Not only" triggers inversion "did she finish".
Only after the meeting did I understand the problem.
Только после собрания я понял проблему.
The restrictive adverbial "Only after the meeting" triggers inversion "did I understand".
Seldom have I heard such nonsense.
Редко я слышал такую чушь.
The negative adverbial "Seldom" triggers inversion "have I heard".
Barely had she finished speaking when the lights went out.
Едва она закончила говорить, как свет погас.
The negative adverbial "Barely" triggers inversion "had she finished".
Never at the beginning of a clause can trigger inversion to emphasize that something has not happened at any time.
For example, Never have I heard such an unusual explanation.
Never have I heard such an unusual explanation.
Никогда я не слышал такого необычного объяснения.
Fronted "Never" triggers inversion "have I heard".
Never has she been so happy.
Никогда она не была такой счастливой.
Fronted "Never" triggers inversion "has she been".
Never did he apologize for his behaviour.
Он так и не извинился за своё поведение.
Fronted "Never" triggers inversion "did he apologize".
Never will I forget your kindness.
Я никогда не забуду твою доброту.
Fronted "Never" triggers inversion "will I forget".
Never have they seen such a performance.
Они никогда не видели такого представления.
Fronted "Never" triggers inversion "have they seen".
Never had I felt so relieved.
Никогда я не чувствовал такого облегчения.
Fronted "Never" triggers inversion "had I felt".
Never does she lose her temper.
Она никогда не выходит из себя.
Fronted "Never" triggers inversion "does she lose".
Never can we forget that day.
Мы никогда не сможем забыть тот день.
Fronted "Never" triggers inversion "can we forget".
Rarely and seldom can trigger inversion when fronted for emphasis or formal style.
For example, Rarely do we see such a dramatic change.
Rarely do we see such a dramatic change.
Редко мы видим такие драматические перемены.
Fronted "Rarely" triggers inversion "do we see".
Seldom have I heard such nonsense.
Редко я слышал такую чушь.
Fronted "Seldom" triggers inversion "have I heard".
Rarely does he complain about his work.
Редко он жалуется на свою работу.
Fronted "Rarely" triggers inversion "does he complain".
Seldom do they visit us these days.
Редко они навещают нас в эти дни.
Fronted "Seldom" triggers inversion "do they visit".
Rarely had she seen such a beautiful sunset.
Редко она видела такой красивый закат.
Fronted "Rarely" triggers inversion "had she seen".
Seldom has the team performed so well.
Редко команда выступала так хорошо.
Fronted "Seldom" triggers inversion "has the team performed".
Rarely will you find such dedication.
Редко вы найдёте такую преданность.
Fronted "Rarely" triggers inversion "will you find".
Seldom can we predict the weather accurately.
Редко мы можем точно предсказать погоду.
Fronted "Seldom" triggers inversion "can we predict".
Hardly, scarcely, and barely can trigger inversion when placed at the beginning of a clause to emphasize that something happened only just before another event.
For example, Hardly had I arrived when the meeting started.
Hardly had I arrived when the meeting started.
Едва я прибыл, как началось собрание.
Fronted "Hardly" triggers inversion "had I arrived" with "when".
Scarcely had she finished speaking when the lights went out.
Едва она закончила говорить, как свет погас.
Fronted "Scarcely" triggers inversion "had she finished" with "when".
Barely had he sat down when the phone rang.
Едва он сел, как зазвонил телефон.
Fronted "Barely" triggers inversion "had he sat" with "when".
Hardly had we left the house when it started raining.
Едва мы вышли из дома, как начался дождь.
Fronted "Hardly" triggers inversion "had we left" with "when".
Scarcely had I closed my eyes when the alarm went off.
Едва я закрыл глаза, как сработал будильник.
Fronted "Scarcely" triggers inversion "had I closed" with "when".
Barely had they arrived when the ceremony began.
Едва они прибыли, как началась церемония.
Fronted "Barely" triggers inversion "had they arrived" with "when".
Hardly had she spoken when everyone fell silent.
Едва она заговорила, как все замолчали.
Fronted "Hardly" triggers inversion "had she spoken" with "when".
Scarcely had the sun set when the stars appeared.
Едва солнце село, как появились звёзды.
Fronted "Scarcely" triggers inversion "had the sun set" with "when".
No sooner at the beginning of a clause is followed by inversion and commonly combines with than to describe two closely consecutive events.
For example, No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain.
No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain.
Как только мы прибыли, начался дождь.
Fronted "No sooner" triggers inversion "had we arrived" with "than".
No sooner had she left than the phone rang.
Как только она ушла, зазвонил телефон.
Fronted "No sooner" triggers inversion "had she left" with "than".
No sooner had he finished his speech than the audience applauded.
Как только он закончил речь, аудитория зааплодировала.
Fronted "No sooner" triggers inversion "had he finished" with "than".
No sooner had I closed the door than the cat jumped in.
Как только я закрыл дверь, кошка вбежала внутрь.
Fronted "No sooner" triggers inversion "had I closed" with "than".
No sooner had they sat down than the food arrived.
Как только они сели, принесли еду.
Fronted "No sooner" triggers inversion "had they sat" with "than".
No sooner had the meeting started than the fire alarm went off.
Как только началось собрание, сработала пожарная тревога.
Fronted "No sooner" triggers inversion "had the meeting started" with "than".
No sooner had she seen the snake than she screamed.
Как только она увидела змею, она закричала.
Fronted "No sooner" triggers inversion "had she seen" with "than".
No sooner had the sun risen than the birds began to sing.
Как только солнце взошло, птицы начали петь.
Fronted "No sooner" triggers inversion "had the sun risen" with "than".
Not only at the beginning of a clause can trigger inversion when it introduces an emphatic additional point.
For example, Not only did she finish the project, but she also improved it.
Not only did she finish the project, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила проект, но и улучшила его.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "did she finish" with "but ... also".
Not only does he speak English, but he also speaks French.
Он не только говорит по-английски, но и по-французски.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "does he speak" with "but ... also".
Not only did they arrive late, but they also forgot the tickets.
Они не только опоздали, но и забыли билеты.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "did they arrive" with "but ... also".
Not only has she visited Paris, but she has also lived there.
Она не только посетила Париж, но и жила там.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "has she visited" with "but ... also".
Not only did the team win, but they also broke a record.
Команда не только победила, но и побила рекорд.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "did the team win" with "but ... also".
Not only is she intelligent, but she is also very kind.
Она не только умна, но и очень добра.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "is she intelligent" with "but ... also".
Not only did he apologize, but he also offered to help.
Он не только извинился, но и предложил помощь.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "did he apologize" with "but ... also".
Not only will they come, but they will also bring gifts.
Они не только придут, но и принесут подарки.
Fronted "Not only" triggers inversion "will they come" with "but ... also".
Only + time expression or clause at the beginning can trigger inversion in the following main clause.
For example, Only after the meeting did I understand the problem.
Only after the meeting did I understand the problem.
Только после собрания я понял проблему.
Fronted "Only after the meeting" triggers inversion "did I understand".
Only after she left did he realize his mistake.
Только после того, как она ушла, он осознал свою ошибку.
Fronted "Only after she left" triggers inversion "did he realize".
Only after the sun set did the stars appear.
Только после захода солнца появились звёзды.
Fronted "Only after the sun set" triggers inversion "did the stars appear".
Only after reading the book did I understand the film.
Только прочитав книгу, я понял фильм.
Fronted "Only after reading the book" triggers inversion "did I understand".
Only after the investigation did the truth emerge.
Только после расследования правда всплыла наружу.
Fronted "Only after the investigation" triggers inversion "did the truth emerge".
Only after he apologized did she forgive him.
Только после того, как он извинился, она его простила.
Fronted "Only after he apologized" triggers inversion "did she forgive".
Only after the storm passed did we leave the shelter.
Только после того, как буря прошла, мы покинули укрытие.
Fronted "Only after the storm passed" triggers inversion "did we leave".
Only after the results were published did the public react.
Только после публикации результатов общественность отреагировала.
Fronted "Only after the results were published" triggers inversion "did the public react".
Only then and only later can trigger inversion when they are fronted for emphasis.
For example, Only then did she realize what had happened.
Only then did she realize what had happened.
Только тогда она осознала, что произошло.
Fronted "Only then" triggers inversion "did she realize".
Only later did he understand the full story.
Только позже он понял всю историю.
Fronted "Only later" triggers inversion "did he understand".
Only then did the truth become clear.
Только тогда правда стала ясной.
Fronted "Only then" triggers inversion "did the truth become".
Only later did she discover the error.
Только позже она обнаружила ошибку.
Fronted "Only later" triggers inversion "did she discover".
Only then did we appreciate his efforts.
Только тогда мы оценили его усилия.
Fronted "Only then" triggers inversion "did we appreciate".
Only later did they realize the consequences.
Только позже они осознали последствия.
Fronted "Only later" triggers inversion "did they realize".
Only then did the importance of the discovery become apparent.
Только тогда важность открытия стала очевидной.
Fronted "Only then" triggers inversion "did the importance become".
Only later did I learn the truth.
Только позже я узнал правду.
Fronted "Only later" triggers inversion "did I learn".
Only by + gerund or noun phrase at the beginning of a clause can trigger inversion in the main clause.
For example, Only by working together can we solve the problem.
Only by working together can we solve the problem.
Только работая вместе, мы можем решить проблему.
Fronted "Only by working together" triggers inversion "can we solve".
Only by practicing every day can you improve.
Только практикуясь каждый день, ты можешь улучшиться.
Fronted "Only by practicing every day" triggers inversion "can you improve".
Only by listening carefully can you understand the instructions.
Только внимательно слушая, ты можешь понять инструкции.
Fronted "Only by listening carefully" triggers inversion "can you understand".
Only by taking risks can we achieve great things.
Только рискуя, мы можем достичь великих вещей.
Fronted "Only by taking risks" triggers inversion "can we achieve".
Only by studying hard will you pass the exam.
Только усердно учась, ты сдашь экзамен.
Fronted "Only by studying hard" triggers inversion "will you pass".
Only by being honest can you earn trust.
Только будучи честным, ты можешь заслужить доверие.
Fronted "Only by being honest" triggers inversion "can you earn".
Only by working late did they finish the project on time.
Только работая допоздна, они закончили проект вовремя.
Fronted "Only by working late" triggers inversion "did they finish".
Only by saving money can you afford a house.
Только экономя деньги, ты можешь позволить себе дом.
Fronted "Only by saving money" triggers inversion "can you afford".
Only when + clause at the beginning can trigger inversion in the main clause.
For example, Only when I saw the results did I understand the significance.
Only when I saw the results did I understand the significance.
Только когда я увидел результаты, я понял значение.
Fronted "Only when I saw the results" triggers inversion "did I understand".
Only when she smiled did he realize she was happy.
Только когда она улыбнулась, он понял, что она счастлива.
Fronted "Only when she smiled" triggers inversion "did he realize".
Only when the meeting ended did we leave the room.
Только когда собрание закончилось, мы вышли из комнаты.
Fronted "Only when the meeting ended" triggers inversion "did we leave".
Only when you try will you know if you can succeed.
Только когда ты попробуешь, ты узнаешь, сможешь ли ты добиться успеха.
Fronted "Only when you try" triggers inversion "will you know".
Only when the sun set did the temperature drop.
Только когда солнце село, температура упала.
Fronted "Only when the sun set" triggers inversion "did the temperature drop".
Only when he apologized did she speak to him again.
Только когда он извинился, она снова заговорила с ним.
Fronted "Only when he apologized" triggers inversion "did she speak".
Only when the evidence was presented did the jury decide.
Только когда были представлены доказательства, присяжные приняли решение.
Fronted "Only when the evidence was presented" triggers inversion "did the jury decide".
Only when you are calm can you make good decisions.
Только когда ты спокоен, ты можешь принимать хорошие решения.
Fronted "Only when you are calm" triggers inversion "can you make".
Only if + condition at the beginning can trigger inversion in the following main clause.
For example, Only if everyone agrees will we proceed.
Only if everyone agrees will we proceed.
Только если все согласятся, мы продолжим.
Fronted "Only if everyone agrees" triggers inversion "will we proceed".
Only if you study hard will you pass the exam.
Только если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь экзамен.
Fronted "Only if you study hard" triggers inversion "will you pass".
Only if it stops raining can we go outside.
Только если дождь прекратится, мы сможем выйти на улицу.
Fronted "Only if it stops raining" triggers inversion "can we go".
Only if she apologizes will he forgive her.
Только если она извинится, он её простит.
Fronted "Only if she apologizes" triggers inversion "will he forgive".
Only if we leave now will we catch the train.
Только если мы уйдём сейчас, мы успеем на поезд.
Fronted "Only if we leave now" triggers inversion "will we catch".
Only if you have a ticket can you enter the concert.
Только если у тебя есть билет, ты можешь войти на концерт.
Fronted "Only if you have a ticket" triggers inversion "can you enter".
Only if the weather improves will we go hiking.
Только если погода улучшится, мы пойдём в поход.
Fronted "Only if the weather improves" triggers inversion "will we go".
Only if you practice regularly can you master the piano.
Только если ты будешь регулярно практиковаться, ты сможешь освоить пианино.
Fronted "Only if you practice regularly" triggers inversion "can you master".
In some formal conditional clauses, had can come before the subject instead of using if.
For example, Had I known about the problem, I would have acted differently.
Had I known about the problem, I would have acted differently.
Если бы я знал о проблеме, я бы действовал иначе.
Conditional inversion uses "Had I known" instead of "If I had known".
Had she studied harder, she would have passed.
Если бы она училась усерднее, она бы сдала.
Conditional inversion uses "Had she studied" instead of "If she had studied".
Had we left earlier, we would not have missed the train.
Если бы мы ушли раньше, мы бы не опоздали на поезд.
Conditional inversion uses "Had we left" instead of "If we had left".
Had he listened to my advice, he would not be in trouble.
Если бы он послушал моего совета, он бы не попал в беду.
Conditional inversion uses "Had he listened" instead of "If he had listened".
Had they arrived on time, the meeting would have started promptly.
Если бы они прибыли вовремя, собрание началось бы promptly.
Conditional inversion uses "Had they arrived" instead of "If they had arrived".
Had I not been so tired, I would have joined you.
Если бы я не был таким уставшим, я бы присоединился к вам.
Conditional inversion uses "Had I not been" instead of "If I had not been".
Had the weather been better, we would have gone to the beach.
Если бы погода была лучше, мы бы пошли на пляж.
Conditional inversion uses "Had the weather been" instead of "If the weather had been".
Had you told me earlier, I could have helped.
Если бы ты сказал мне раньше, я мог бы помочь.
Conditional inversion uses "Had you told" instead of "If you had told".
Were can appear before the subject in formal hypothetical conditionals instead of if.
For example, Were I in your position, I would wait.
Were I in your position, I would wait.
Если бы я был на твоём месте, я бы подождал.
Conditional inversion uses "Were I" instead of "If I were".
Were she here, she would know what to do.
Если бы она была здесь, она бы знала, что делать.
Conditional inversion uses "Were she" instead of "If she were".
Were we to leave now, we would arrive early.
Если бы мы ушли сейчас, мы бы приехали рано.
Conditional inversion uses "Were we to leave" instead of "If we were to leave".
Were he more experienced, he would be a better candidate.
Если бы он был более опытным, он был бы лучшим кандидатом.
Conditional inversion uses "Were he" instead of "If he were".
Were it not for your help, I would have failed.
Если бы не твоя помощь, я бы провалился.
Conditional inversion uses "Were it not for" instead of "If it were not for".
Were they aware of the risks, they would not proceed.
Если бы они знали о рисках, они бы не продолжали.
Conditional inversion uses "Were they" instead of "If they were".
Were I to accept the offer, I would have to move.
Если бы я принял предложение, мне пришлось бы переехать.
Conditional inversion uses "Were I to accept" instead of "If I were to accept".
Were the situation different, we would act differently.
Если бы ситуация была другой, мы бы действовали иначе.
Conditional inversion uses "Were the situation" instead of "If the situation were".
Should can be placed before the subject in formal or tentative conditional clauses.
For example, Should you need any assistance, please contact us.
Should you need any assistance, please contact us.
Если вам понадобится помощь, пожалуйста, свяжитесь с нами.
Conditional inversion uses "Should you need" instead of "If you should need".
Should it rain, we will cancel the picnic.
Если пойдёт дождь, мы отменим пикник.
Conditional inversion uses "Should it rain" instead of "If it should rain".
Should you change your mind, let me know.
Если передумаешь, дай мне знать.
Conditional inversion uses "Should you change" instead of "If you should change".
Should they arrive late, we will start without them.
Если они прибудут поздно, мы начнём без них.
Conditional inversion uses "Should they arrive" instead of "If they should arrive".
Should you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Если у вас есть вопросы, спрашивайте.
Conditional inversion uses "Should you have" instead of "If you should have".
Should the weather improve, we will go for a walk.
Если погода улучшится, мы пойдём гулять.
Conditional inversion uses "Should the weather improve" instead of "If the weather should improve".
Should he call, tell him I am busy.
Если он позвонит, скажи, что я занят.
Conditional inversion uses "Should he call" instead of "If he should call".
Should we need more time, we will ask for an extension.
Если нам понадобится больше времени, мы попросим продление.
Conditional inversion uses "Should we need" instead of "If we should need".
A phrase or clause can be moved to the beginning of a sentence to emphasize or contrast it.
For example, This book I really enjoyed places the object at the beginning for emphasis.
This book I really enjoyed.
Эту книгу я действительно наслаждался.
The object "This book" is fronted for emphasis.
That film I have seen twice.
Тот фильм я видел дважды.
The object "That film" is fronted for emphasis.
Such behaviour I cannot tolerate.
Такое поведение я не могу терпеть.
The object "Such behaviour" is fronted for emphasis.
This problem we need to solve today.
Эту проблему нам нужно решить сегодня.
The object "This problem" is fronted for emphasis.
His latest novel I found disappointing.
Его последний роман я нашёл разочаровывающим.
The object "His latest novel" is fronted for emphasis.
That idea I completely reject.
Эту идею я полностью отвергаю.
The object "That idea" is fronted for emphasis.
Her explanation I found convincing.
Её объяснение я нашёл убедительным.
The object "Her explanation" is fronted for emphasis.
This opportunity we cannot afford to miss.
Эту возможность мы не можем позволить себе упустить.
The object "This opportunity" is fronted for emphasis.
Adverbials can be fronted to establish context, contrast, time, place, or emphasis before the main clause.
For example, In the morning, we usually work from home.
In the morning, we usually work from home.
Утром мы обычно работаем из дома.
The time adverbial "In the morning" is fronted to establish context.
After the meeting, we went for lunch.
После собрания мы пошли на обед.
The time adverbial "After the meeting" is fronted.
In London, many people use public transport.
В Лондоне многие люди пользуются общественным транспортом.
The place adverbial "In London" is fronted.
Because it was raining, we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
The reason adverbial "Because it was raining" is fronted.
Quickly, she finished her work.
Быстро она закончила свою работу.
The manner adverbial "Quickly" is fronted for emphasis.
On the table, there was a book.
На столе была книга.
The place adverbial "On the table" is fronted.
With great care, he opened the box.
С большой осторожностью он открыл коробку.
The manner adverbial "With great care" is fronted for emphasis.
Yesterday, we visited the museum.
Вчера мы посетили музей.
The time adverbial "Yesterday" is fronted.
An object can be moved to the beginning of a clause for contrast or emphasis while the subject and verb remain in the normal order.
For example, This book, I really enjoyed.
This book, I really enjoyed.
Эту книгу я действительно наслаждался.
The object "This book" is fronted for emphasis.
That film, I have seen twice.
Тот фильм я видел дважды.
The object "That film" is fronted for emphasis.
Such behaviour, I cannot tolerate.
Такое поведение я не могу терпеть.
The object "Such behaviour" is fronted for emphasis.
This problem, we need to solve today.
Эту проблему нам нужно решить сегодня.
The object "This problem" is fronted for emphasis.
His latest novel, I found disappointing.
Его последний роман я нашёл разочаровывающим.
The object "His latest novel" is fronted for emphasis.
That idea, I completely reject.
Эту идею я полностью отвергаю.
The object "That idea" is fronted for emphasis.
Her explanation, I found convincing.
Её объяснение я нашёл убедительным.
The object "Her explanation" is fronted for emphasis.
This opportunity, we cannot afford to miss.
Эту возможность мы не можем позволить себе упустить.
The object "This opportunity" is fronted for emphasis.
Topicalization places a constituent at the beginning of a sentence to establish it as the topic.
For example, As for the new system, I think it works well. More direct topicalization is possible in structures such as This problem, we need to solve today.
As for the new system, I think it works well.
Что касается новой системы, я думаю, она работает хорошо.
"As for the new system" establishes the topic of the sentence.
This problem, we need to solve today.
Эту проблему нам нужно решить сегодня.
The object "This problem" is topicalized for emphasis.
That proposal, I cannot support.
Это предложение я не могу поддержать.
The object "That proposal" is topicalized.
As for your question, I will answer it later.
Что касается твоего вопроса, я отвечу на него позже.
"As for your question" introduces the topic.
This book, I have read three times.
Эту книгу я прочитал три раза.
The object "This book" is topicalized.
As for the weather, it looks like it will rain.
Что касается погоды, похоже, будет дождь.
"As for the weather" introduces the topic.
That idea, I find interesting.
Эта идея кажется мне интересной.
The object "That idea" is topicalized.
As for the delay, we apologize for the inconvenience.
Что касается задержки, мы приносим извинения за неудобства.
"As for the delay" introduces the topic.
Cleft sentences divide one proposition into two clauses to focus attention on a particular element.
For example, It was John who called me focuses attention on John.
It was John who called me.
Это Джон мне позвонил.
The cleft sentence focuses on "John".
It was the second report that caused the confusion.
Именно второй отчёт вызвал путаницу.
The cleft sentence focuses on "the second report".
It was yesterday that we received the news.
Именно вчера мы получили новость.
The cleft sentence focuses on "yesterday".
It was in London that they met.
Именно в Лондоне они встретились.
The cleft sentence focuses on "in London".
It was Sarah who found the mistake.
Именно Сара нашла ошибку.
The cleft sentence focuses on "Sarah".
It was the manager who approved the proposal.
Именно менеджер одобрил предложение.
The cleft sentence focuses on "the manager".
It was the noise that woke me up.
Именно шум разбудил меня.
The cleft sentence focuses on "the noise".
It was his attitude that annoyed me.
Именно его отношение раздражало меня.
The cleft sentence focuses on "his attitude".
It-cleft sentences can focus on a person or thing by placing the focused element after be and before a relative clause.
For example, It was Sarah who found the mistake.
It was Sarah who found the mistake.
Именно Сара нашла ошибку.
The it-cleft focuses on the person "Sarah".
It was John who called me.
Это Джон мне позвонил.
The it-cleft focuses on the person "John".
It was the manager who approved the proposal.
Именно менеджер одобрил предложение.
The it-cleft focuses on the person "the manager".
It was my mother who taught me to cook.
Именно моя мама научила меня готовить.
The it-cleft focuses on the person "my mother".
It was the doctor who saved his life.
Именно врач спас ему жизнь.
The it-cleft focuses on the person "the doctor".
It was the teacher who inspired her.
Именно учитель вдохновил её.
The it-cleft focuses on the person "the teacher".
It was his brother who helped him.
Именно его брат помог ему.
The it-cleft focuses on the person "his brother".
It was the neighbour who noticed the fire.
Именно сосед заметил пожар.
The it-cleft focuses on the person "the neighbour".
It-clefts can focus on time, place, reason, or other circumstances.
For example, It was yesterday that we received the news and It was in London that they met.
It was yesterday that we received the news.
Именно вчера мы получили новость.
The it-cleft focuses on the time "yesterday".
It was in London that they met.
Именно в Лондоне они встретились.
The it-cleft focuses on the place "in London".
It was at midnight that the power went out.
Именно в полночь отключилось электричество.
The it-cleft focuses on the time "at midnight".
It was in Paris that they got married.
Именно в Париже они поженились.
The it-cleft focuses on the place "in Paris".
It was last summer that we visited Italy.
Именно прошлым летом мы посетили Италию.
The it-cleft focuses on the time "last summer".
It was at the station that I lost my ticket.
Именно на вокзале я потерял билет.
The it-cleft focuses on the place "at the station".
It was on Monday that the decision was made.
Именно в понедельник было принято решение.
The it-cleft focuses on the time "on Monday".
It was in the garden that we found the keys.
Именно в саду мы нашли ключи.
The it-cleft focuses on the place "in the garden".
Pseudo-cleft sentences use a wh-clause, especially a what-clause, to focus on an element presented as the key information.
For example, What I need is more time.
What I need is more time.
Что мне нужно, так это больше времени.
The pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "more time".
What she said surprised everyone.
То, что она сказала, удивило всех.
The pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "what she said".
What he did was unacceptable.
То, что он сделал, было неприемлемо.
The pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "what he did".
What matters most is your health.
Что важнее всего, так это твоё здоровье.
The pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "your health".
What I want is a peaceful holiday.
Чего я хочу, так это спокойного отпуска.
The pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "a peaceful holiday".
What we need to do is call the police.
Что нам нужно сделать, так это вызвать полицию.
The pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "call the police".
What she wants is a new car.
Чего она хочет, так это новую машину.
The pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "a new car".
What he needs is a good rest.
Что ему нужно, так это хороший отдых.
The pseudo-cleft with "What" focuses on "a good rest".
Pseudo-cleft structures can use other wh-words to focus on people, places, times, or other information.
For example, Where we met was Paris, although The place where we met was Paris is more natural in many contexts.
Where we met was Paris.
Где мы встретились, так это Париж.
The pseudo-cleft with "Where" focuses on "Paris".
When we met was in 2010.
Когда мы встретились, так это в 2010 году.
The pseudo-cleft with "When" focuses on "in 2010".
Who called me was John.
Кто мне позвонил, так это Джон.
The pseudo-cleft with "Who" focuses on "John".
Where she lives is London.
Где она живёт, так это Лондон.
The pseudo-cleft with "Where" focuses on "London".
When he arrived was at noon.
Когда он прибыл, так это в полдень.
The pseudo-cleft with "When" focuses on "at noon".
Who wrote the book was a famous author.
Кто написал книгу, так это известный автор.
The pseudo-cleft with "Who" focuses on "a famous author".
Where they went was Rome.
Куда они поехали, так это Рим.
The pseudo-cleft with "Where" focuses on "Rome".
When the accident happened was at night.
Когда произошла авария, так это ночью.
The pseudo-cleft with "When" focuses on "at night".
Do, does, or did can be inserted into affirmative statements to emphasize or contradict an assumption.
For example, I do understand and She did call me.
I do understand your point.
Я действительно понимаю твою точку зрения.
Emphatic "do" emphasizes the affirmative statement.
She did call me.
Она действительно мне звонила.
Emphatic "did" emphasizes the affirmative statement.
He does work hard.
Он действительно усердно работает.
Emphatic "does" emphasizes the affirmative statement.
They do want to help.
Они действительно хотят помочь.
Emphatic "do" emphasizes the affirmative statement.
I did finish my homework.
Я действительно закончил домашнюю работу.
Emphatic "did" emphasizes the affirmative statement.
She does like him.
Он ей действительно нравится.
Emphatic "does" emphasizes the affirmative statement.
We do appreciate your help.
Мы действительно ценим вашу помощь.
Emphatic "do" emphasizes the affirmative statement.
He did apologize.
Он действительно извинился.
Emphatic "did" emphasizes the affirmative statement.
It is or it was structures can introduce focused information and are commonly used in cleft constructions.
For example, It was the second report that caused the confusion.
It was the second report that caused the confusion.
Именно второй отчёт вызвал путаницу.
The "It was ... that" structure focuses on "the second report".
It is your attitude that needs to change.
Именно твоё отношение должно измениться.
The "It is ... that" structure focuses on "your attitude".
It was yesterday that we received the news.
Именно вчера мы получили новость.
The "It was ... that" structure focuses on "yesterday".
It was in London that they met.
Именно в Лондоне они встретились.
The "It was ... that" structure focuses on "in London".
It is the manager who approves the proposals.
Именно менеджер одобряет предложения.
The "It is ... who" structure focuses on "the manager".
It was his idea that saved the project.
Именно его идея спасла проект.
The "It was ... that" structure focuses on "his idea".
It is the noise that bothers me.
Именно шум беспокоит меня.
The "It is ... that" structure focuses on "the noise".
It was John who called me.
Это Джон мне позвонил.
The "It was ... who" structure focuses on "John".
Repetition can be used deliberately to add emphasis, emotional force, or insistence.
For example, I really, really wanted to help can express stronger emotion than the neutral form.
I really, really wanted to help.
Я очень, очень хотел помочь.
Repetition of "really" adds emphasis and emotional force.
It was a long, long journey.
Это было долгое-долгое путешествие.
Repetition of "long" adds emphasis.
She is very, very talented.
Она очень, очень талантлива.
Repetition of "very" adds emphasis.
I am so, so sorry.
Мне так, так жаль.
Repetition of "so" adds emotional emphasis.
It was a big, big mistake.
Это была большая-большая ошибка.
Repetition of "big" adds emphasis.
He is a very, very good friend.
Он очень, очень хороший друг.
Repetition of "very" adds emphasis.
She was very, very happy.
Она была очень, очень счастлива.
Repetition of "very" adds emphasis.
I am really, really tired.
Я очень, очень устал.
Repetition of "really" adds emphasis.
Many inversion structures are especially common in formal writing, literary styles, speeches, or deliberately dramatic language.
Ordinary conversation usually prefers normal subject-verb order unless the construction has become conventional.
Never have I seen such a thing.
Никогда я не видел такого.
Inversion is common in formal or dramatic language.
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
Inversion after "Rarely" is formal.
Had I known, I would have acted differently.
Если бы я знал, я бы действовал иначе.
Conditional inversion is formal.
Should you need help, please ask.
Если вам нужна помощь, пожалуйста, спросите.
Conditional inversion with "Should" is formal and polite.
Not only did she finish, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила, но и улучшила.
Inversion after "Not only" is formal.
Only then did she realize the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Inversion after "Only then" is formal.
No sooner had we arrived than it started to rain.
Как только мы прибыли, начался дождь.
Inversion after "No sooner" is formal and literary.
Were I in your position, I would wait.
Если бы я был на твоём месте, я бы подождал.
Conditional inversion with "Were" is formal.
Use inversion and emphasis structures only where the grammar licenses the altered word order and preserve the correct auxiliary and subject positions.
Common mistakes include using inversion after ordinary fronted adverbials, omitting the auxiliary in negative inversion, using that in an inappropriate cleft, and confusing fronting with inversion.
Never have I seen such a thing.
Никогда я не видел такого.
Correct: inversion after negative adverbial "Never".
It was John who called me.
Это Джон мне позвонил.
Correct: it-cleft focuses on "John".
What I need is more time.
Что мне нужно, так это больше времени.
Correct: pseudo-cleft with "What".
I do understand your point.
Я действительно понимаю твою точку зрения.
Correct: emphatic "do" in affirmative statement.
Only then did she realize the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Correct: inversion after "Only then".
This book I really enjoyed.
Эту книгу я действительно наслаждался.
Correct: object fronting for emphasis.
Had I known, I would have acted differently.
Если бы я знал, я бы действовал иначе.
Correct: conditional inversion with "Had".
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
Correct: inversion after "Rarely".