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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Inverting subject and verb

hello,

this is my question : after a question or a sentence, for example :

"And are you glad to see me?' asked she, reiterating her former question and pleased to detect the faint dawn of a smile." (E. Brontë)

is it correct or admitted to write (say) "asked she" instead of "she asked" ?

thank you to help me !!

best regards
  

Top answer

The word order you mention was common in older English and is still the norm in sentences like yours in other Germanic languages such as Swedish. Even though it is possible in fairly similar sentences even in modern English, I wouldn't use it in your example because the sentence continues after "asked she". " said the old man / the old man said.

— Cool Breeze

  • The word order you mention was common in older English and is still the norm in sentences like yours in other Germanic languages such as Swedish.
  • Even though it is possible in fairly similar sentences even in modern English, I wouldn't use it in your example because the sentence continues after "asked she".
  • " said the old man / the old man said.
  • ) other Germanic languages only the word order of "said the old man" would be correct.
  • CB
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1 Answers
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The word order you mention was common in older English and is still the norm in sentences like yours in other Germanic languages such as Swedish. Even though it is possible in fairly similar sentences even in modern English, I wouldn't use it in your example because the sentence continues after "asked she".

But, especially if the subject is longe
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