Subject-verb inversion

In the class is Ali, prepositional phrase in a nominal slot. Is it subject-verb inversion?

In nominal phrase, the subject can be after the verb.
In the garden stood three old apple trees.

When we have a prepositional phrase in a nominal place is common when subject verb inversion happens. That is why we say, there are two books on the table. There (domi subject)
Those who know very little about grammar.

In English, the usual order of words in a sentence is subject + verb + object. Sometimes certain adverbs come at the beginning of the sentence. This order is then inverted and the verb comes before the subject.

Study the following sentences.
• Scarcely had I stepped out when the telephone rang.
• Hardly had I reached the station when the train departed.
• No sooner had she read the telegram than she started crying.
• Never have I seen such a mess.

Note that the sentences given above can also be written with normal word order.
• I had scarcely stepped out when the telephone rang.
• I had hardly reached the station when the train departed.

Exercise
Rewrite the following sentences, putting the adverb first and inverting the subject and verb.

1. I have seldom heard such a beautiful voice.
2. He had hardly sat down for dinner when someone knocked at the door.
3. I have never heard such utter nonsense.
4. They not only looted the shop, but also set fire to it.

Answers
1. Seldom have I heard such a beautiful voice.
2. Hardly had he sat down for dinner when someone knocked at the door.
3. Never have I heard such utter nonsense.
4. Not only did they loot the shop, but also set fire to it.