Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

Inversion in sentence structure refers to which of the following?

1. Changing the punctuation for effect

2. Rearranging the normal subject-verb-object order

3. Using more complex vocabulary

4. Eliminating unnecessary words

The correct answer is: Rearranging the normal subject-verb-object order

Inversion in sentence structure specifically refers to rearranging the typical subject-verb-object order found in standard English syntax. This technique often serves various effects, such as emphasizing a particular part of the sentence, creating a more dramatic tone, or achieving a certain poetic rhythm. By altering the conventional order, the writer can draw the reader's attention to specific ideas or qualities that might otherwise be less noticeable. For example, instead of saying "The dog barked loudly," inversion might yield "Loudly barked the dog." This alteration shifts the focus and can evoke different stylistic effects, making the language more engaging. It doesn't involve changes in vocabulary complexity, punctuation adjustments, or the elimination of words, which are represented in the other choices.