Many English learners preparing for IELTS find themselves puzzled by sentences like “Only after finishing the work, did he relax”. This structure might seem unusual at first glance, but it’s actually a powerful tool for adding emphasis and sophistication to your writing and speaking. Let’s delve into why this structure is grammatically correct and how you can utilize it effectively in your IELTS exam.
Here are a few examples of how this structure can be used in different parts of the IELTS exam:
Speaking Part 2:
Describe a time you felt relieved after finishing a challenging task.
“It was finally the night before my IELTS exam, and I had just finished reviewing all the material. Only after closing my notebook, did I finally feel a wave of relief wash over me“.
Writing Task 2:
Some people believe that the best way to achieve success is through hard work, while others believe that luck plays a more important role. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
*“Hard work undoubtedly plays a crucial role in achieving success. After all, *only after dedicating countless hours to practice and refinement, can an athlete hope to win an Olympic medal.”
Listening Section:
(In a lecture about environmental conservation)
*”The government implemented stricter regulations on industrial pollution. *Only after these measures were put in place, did the air quality in the city begin to improve”.
In each of these examples, notice how the sentence structure emphasizes the action that happened after the initial event. This is the key to understanding the grammatical reasoning behind it.
Deconstructing the Structure: Emphasis and Inversion
The sentence “Only after finishing the work, did he relax” uses a grammatical structure called inversion. Inversion occurs when we reverse the normal order of the subject and auxiliary verb in a sentence for emphasis. This is often done with negative adverbials or restrictive words like “only” placed at the beginning of the sentence.
Inversion in English Grammar
Formula and Application:
Here’s the structure broken down:
“Only + Adverbial Phrase + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb”
- Only: This word is crucial as it sets up the inversion and emphasizes the condition.
- Adverbial Phrase: This phrase (e.g., “after finishing the work”) indicates the time or condition that must be met.
- Auxiliary Verb: The auxiliary verb (e.g., “did”) is placed before the subject.
- Subject: The person or thing performing the action (e.g., “he”).
- Main Verb: The main action being described (e.g., “relax”).
Using Inversion for a Higher Band Score:
Incorporating inversion demonstrates your command of complex grammatical structures, a key factor in achieving a band score of 7 or higher in IELTS. It showcases your ability to manipulate language effectively and enhance the meaning of your sentences.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:
Incorrect Word Order:
- Incorrect: Only after he finished the work, he relaxed.
- Correct: Only after he finished the work, did he relax. (Inversion is required).
Missing Auxiliary Verb:
- Incorrect: Only after finishing the work, he relaxed.
- Correct: Only after finishing the work, did he relax. (The auxiliary “did” is essential).
Conclusion:
Mastering the use of inversion, particularly in structures like “Only after…”, will undoubtedly strengthen your grammatical range and allow you to express yourself with greater clarity and emphasis. Remember to practice implementing this structure in various contexts related to the IELTS exam. With dedicated effort and a keen eye for detail, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired band score.