Fronting for emphasis
C1 AdvancedFronting involves moving a clause element that normally follows the verb to the beginning of the sentence to provide focus or contrast. This stylistic device is common in formal writing and emphatic speech to highlight specific information.
Overview
In standard English word order, the subject typically precedes the verb, followed by objects or complements. Fronting disrupts this pattern by placing the object, complement, or adverbial at the very start of the clause. This serves to emphasize the fronted element or to create a smoother transition between sentences by linking back to previously mentioned information.
Form
[Fronted Element] + [Subject] + [Verb]
The most common structures involve fronting the direct object or a complement. Unlike negative inversion, standard fronting for emphasis does not usually require a change in the position of the subject and the auxiliary verb.
Examples
Common mistakes
That do I not believe.
That I do not believe.
Do not use subject-auxiliary inversion for simple object fronting; the subject remains before the verb.
A very nice person he is.
A very nice person he is, but he lacks discipline.
Fronting is often used for contrast; without a following clause or specific context, it can sound unnatural or archaic.
Standard Order vs. Fronting
Note that when fronting an adjective complement with the verb 'to be', inversion of the subject and verb is common (e.g., 'Even more surprising were...').
| Standard Order | Fronted Order |
|---|---|
| I cannot tolerate such behavior. | Such behavior I cannot tolerate. |
| The results were even more surprising. | Even more surprising were the results. |
Practice
Rewrite the sentence using fronting for emphasis: 'I have never seen such a mess.'
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Such a mess I have never seen.
Answer:Such a mess I have never seen.
Why:The direct object 'such a mess' is moved to the front of the sentence to emphasize the extent of the disorder.
Rewrite the sentence using fronting for emphasis: 'He gave most of the money to charity.'
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Most of the money he gave to charity.
Answer:Most of the money he gave to charity.
Why:The object 'most of the money' is fronted to highlight the specific portion of funds discussed.
Is the following sentence grammatically correct? 'Great was his disappointment.'
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Yes
Answer:Yes
Why:This is a form of fronting involving a complement and the verb 'to be', where the subject and verb are inverted for rhetorical effect.