（A）This problem we have examined in Chapter 3.
(B) Not a single word did Peggoty speak.
句(A)和句(B)都是宾语提到句首,为什么句(B)的宾语提前引起主语部分倒装,而句
(A)的宾语提前却未引起主谓部分倒装?
关于句(A)主谓语不倒装的原因,见 word order 。关于句(B)主谓语倒装的原因可解释如下:
宾语提前引起主谓倒装是有条件的,而不是无条件的。这个条件就是:提前的宾语必须具有否定的形式(例1-4)或否定含义(例5):
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No potassium did we find in this material. 在这种材料里我们没有发现钾。
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They got into their cab, and not one word did they say the whole way home. 他们进了出租马车，在回家的路上一句话也没有说。
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Not a single book had he read that month. (CGEL) 那个月他一本书也没有读。
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Not one bottle did we leave behind. (CGEL) 我们一个瓶子也没有丢下。
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Only one more point will I make. (CGEL) 只是还有一点我要说一说。
(关于 only 具有否定意义的说明, 见 need , 并参见 only + 宾语位于句首)
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The doctor talked about his research for an hour, but not a word John understood. (上海高考,96-F-8)
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Not a single song ____ at yesterday's party. A. she sang B. sang she C. did she sing D. she did sing(上海高考,00-25)
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Not even a word ____ concerning these important matters.
A. he mentioned B. he mentions C. did he mention D. he does mention