Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

tisogai · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 196

Would someone please advise me on this?

If only we are honest about who we are, can we have the joy of knowing we are loved despite our faults.

How come is the inversion happening here??

Thanks so much.

Lorikeet · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 1877 Location: San Francisco

tisogai · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 196

Hi Lorikeet, thanks for your reply.

However, I need a bit more clarification, if possible.

Only if we are honest about who we are, we can have the joy of knowing we are loved dispite our faults.

Or can it also be "can we have the joy of........"

Thanks so much.

"We can have the joy of knowing we are loved despite our faults only if we are honest about who we are." or
"Only if we are honest about who we are, can we have the joy of knowing we are loved despite our faults."

They are both okay, but you can't switch them.