Negative Inversion – Part 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the words that complete each sentence correctly. Your first choice counts.

1. Not until the plane had landed safely _____ that her hands were shaking.

2. Only when the lights came back on _____ how much damage the storm had done.

3. Only _____ a key to the main office, so you'll have to ask him.

4. It's surprising _____ about the history of their own town.

5. The singer is famously shy. Rarely _____ in public, so tickets for tonight's concert sold out in minutes.

6. Not only _____ the whole house, but he also cooked dinner for everyone.

7. The factory closed suddenly last month. At no time during the negotiations _____ that their jobs were at risk.

8. Only when _____ home did Mark realise that he had left his laptop on the train.

9. Scarcely _____ my eyes when the baby started crying again.

10. I've travelled all over Europe, but _____ such a beautiful old town.

11. Not until _____ the bill did we find out that the drinks weren't included.

12. Not only did the new manager cut costs, _____ staff morale.

13. I'd just finished a long call with the bank. No sooner _____ it rang again.

14. First, make sure the machine is switched off at the wall. Only then _____ the back panel.

15. When Emma sat next to a quiet young man on the train that morning, little _____ that he would one day be her husband.

16. Hardly had the match kicked off _____ to fall heavily.

17. Come up to the roof terrace. Nowhere else in the city _____ such a good view of the river.

18. Visitors may take photos, but _____ the animals.

19. Have you noticed how rarely _____ on time these days?

20. The island has no airport and only one ferry a week. Seldom _____ there in winter.