Inversion of subject and verb after exclamatory adjective

Tom A.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Inversion of subject and verb after exclamatory adjective

The recommended translation for 'what a powerful voice that man had!' is 'quelle voix puissante avait cet homme !'. I don't actually see this usage of inversion covered in any grammar guides. Is it the norm to invert subject and verb in a sentence beginning with an exclamatory adjective?

 

Asked 6 months ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour Tom,

This type of structure is rather formal but the inversion (inversion nominale) is correct. You can find this type of inversion with Quel/Quelle / Combien de / etc in exlamative structures:

Combien d'épreuves a dû endurer cette femme ! How many ordeals this woman must have endured!

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Tom A.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Merci Céline.

Inversion of subject and verb after exclamatory adjective

The recommended translation for 'what a powerful voice that man had!' is 'quelle voix puissante avait cet homme !'. I don't actually see this usage of inversion covered in any grammar guides. Is it the norm to invert subject and verb in a sentence beginning with an exclamatory adjective?

 

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