“only+狀語”類倒裝的歸納

我們先來看一道考題：

Only in this way __________ able to finish the work in time.

A. can you be                         B. are you                         C. you can be                        D. you are

此題應選 B。容易誤選D。至于A，C，這比較容易排除，因為情態動詞 can 不能與 be able to用在同一謂語中。本題之所以要選B而不選D，主要是因為句首用了only in this way 的緣故，按照英語語法規則：“only+狀語”位于句首，句子通常要用倒裝語序(部分倒裝——用一般疑問句形式)：

1. “only+副詞”位于句首：

Only then did I realize that I was wrong. 只是到了那時我才意識到是我錯了。

Only by shouting was he able to make himself heard.  他只有叫喊才能讓別人聽到他。

The pilot reassured the passengers. Only then did I realize how dangerous the situation had been. 飛機駕駛員要乘客們放心，這時我才明白剛才的情況有多危險。

2. “only+介詞短語”位于句首：

Only by working hard can you succeed. 只有努力工作你才能成功。

Only in the reading-room can you find him. 你只有在閱覽室才能找到他。

3. “only+狀語從句”位于句首：

Only after she died was I able to appreciate her. 只有到她死后我才認識到她的價值。

Only when one loses freedom does one know its value. 一個人只有在失去自由后才知道自由的可貴。

注意：若位于句首的不是only+狀語，而是 only+賓語等，則通常無需倒裝(但有時也可以倒裝)：

Only a policeman the children saw in the street. 孩子們在街上只看到一個警察。

Only one more point will I make. 我只再說明一點。