What is inversion?

Inversion involves swapping (inverting) the position of an auxiliary verb and subject in a sentence. The most common use of inversion is forming interrogative sentences (questions).

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SentenceQuestion
Earth is small compared to ther planetsIs Earth small compared to other planets?
I am thirstyAm I thirsty?
My name isIs my name Mark?

If there is no auxiliary verb in the sentence, one needs to be added when you invert the word order.

SentenceQuestion
Earth is small compared to ther planetsIs Earth small compared to other planets?
I am thirstyAm I thirsty?
My name isIs my name Mark?
Andrew had problems with healthDid Andrew have problems with health?
It belongs to Emma Does it belong to Emma?
She looked tiredDid she look tired?

Inversion is also used in emphasizing and in conditional sentences.

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