Metkagram
EN RU

B2–C1 · GFF · GFF007

Little did + subject + know + that-clause

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Negation, inversion and focus”. Compare how English and German express negation, inversion and focus. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

Structure

EN · EnglishLittle did + subject + know + that-clause
DE · GermanSubject + ahnte(n) nicht, dass + clause

Anchor phrase

RU · Translation

Я и не подозревал, что этот разговор изменит мои планы.

EN · English

Little did I know that the conversation would change my plans.

DE · German

Ich ahnte nicht, dass das Gespräch meine Pläne ändern würde.

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Она и не подозревала, что все уже договорились.

    EN · English

    Little did she know that everyone had already agreed.

    DE · German

    Sie ahnte nicht, dass alle bereits zugestimmt hatten.

  2. RU · Translation

    Мы и не подозревали, что магазин вот-вот закроется навсегда.

    EN · English

    Little did we know that the shop was about to close for good.

    DE · German

    Wir ahnten nicht, dass der Laden kurz davorstand, endgültig zu schließen.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

GFF001Not until + past clause + did + subject + bare infinitiveGFFGFF012Such was + singular noun phrase + that + result clauseGFFGFF015All + subject + did + was + bare infinitive phraseGFFGFF002Only after + -ing phrase + did + subject + bare infinitiveGFF