B2–C1 · GFF · GFF001

Not until + past clause + did + subject + bare infinitive

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

EN · EnglishNot until + past clause + did + subject + bare infinitive
DE · GermanErst als + subordinate clause, + finite verb + subject

Try variations2 · more examples

  1. RU · Translation

    Она начала только тогда, когда в комнате стало тихо.

    EN · English

    Not until  the room  fell  silent did  she  begin.

    DE · German

    Erst als  es im Raum still  wurde,  fing  sie an.

  2. RU · Translation

    Только добравшись домой, мы поняли, что произошло.

    EN · English

    Not until  we  reached home did  we  realise  what  had  happened.

    DE · German

    Erst als  wir zu Hause  ankamen,  verstanden  wir,  was  passiert  war.

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