This order may be changed to secure greater emphasis, clearness or elegance.
A member of a sentence may be given prominence by taking it out of its logical position and placing it first. This causes the arrangement of the other members to be changed and the sentence thus acquires emphasis by the members being placed out of their ordinary positions.
| 1. | The verb may be placed first; as, | |
| Flashed all their sabres bare. | ||
| 2. | The object may be placed first; as, | |
| Knowledge I do not slight. | ||
| 3. | The complement may be placed first; as, | |
| Broad is the way that leadeth to destruction. | ||
| 4. | The adverbial modifier may be placed first; as, | |
| Still in thy right hand carry gentle peace. |
The subject of the sentence may follow the verb:—
1. In interrogative sentences; as, Are you there?
2. In expressing a wish; as, May you succeed.
3. In imperative sentences; as, Seek ye not my face again.
4. In poetry; as,
Then off there flung in smiling joy,
And held himself erect