Inversion

[mimi2]

Can I write like this:
Half a dozen apples fell down.
--Down did half a dozen apples fall down.
Thanks.

 

[HistofEng]

that doesn't sound correct....


you can say..."down half a dozen apples fell"

or

"down fell half a dozen apples"

 

[mimi2]

Can you explain why I can't invert the verb just like the other sentences I used to do like that. For example: Seldom am I satisfied with my situation.
Thanks.

 

[HistofEng]

I think it has to do with that is preceding the verb because you may say...

Never did half a dozen apples fall to the ground so gently....

 

[elroy]

Can you explain why I can't invert the verb just like the other sentences I used to do like that. For example: Seldom am I satisfied with my situation.
Thanks.

You can: "down fell a dozen apples," as Hist said.

It's just that there's no reason to change "fell" to "did fall."

 

[maxiogee]

From amongst my earliest memories I dredge up the following.
Was my mother trying to give me surreptitious grammar lessons?

Rock-a-bye baby on the tree top,
When the wind blows the cradle will rock,
When the bough breaks the cradle will fall,
And down will come cradle, baby and all.