Inversion: Adjective Before the Main Verb

By Professor Michael Itungwa Shukrani
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It is elegant to use inversions in both spoken and written language. As an elegant, stunning raiment to be worn from time to time, inversion pleases the speaker and their audience, while also ascribing them some honour. Therefore, you ought to be in the habit of using inversions in your speeches and writings.

It is usually correct to place an adjective after the main verb of a sentence as follows:

The dress is beautiful.

However, you can use inversion by placing the adjective ‘beautiful’ before the main verb of the sentence, saying:

Beautiful is the dress.

You can form sundry other similar sentences, such as:

High is the building.
Very delicious was the dinner.
So beautiful is your face.

You can use the verb ‘to be’ in the present, future or past tense. Moreover, you can make use of other linking verbs such as ‘to seem’, ‘to appear’ or ‘to prove’.

Delightful seemed the feast.
Seductive will she appear.
Reliable do the results prove to be.

Habari nzuri leo!