[Vocabulary] Never + nouns in plural

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notletrest

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Please tell me whether we can say "Never children are so naughty as Bill." and why.
Thank you,teachers!
 

5jj

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No. The correct word order is "Children are never as/so naughty as Bill."
 

notletrest

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No. The correct word order is "Children are never as/so naughty as Bill."
But I came across the following:
"Never child is so naughty as Bill. "
It is in a Chinese book dealing with articles. So I thought of the question.

By the way I have read such a sentence as "Never a word he said."
Would you help me in comparing them.
Sorry to trouble you so much! Thanks!
 

5jj

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emsr2d2

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There are situations where we put "never" etc at the beginning of a sentence but it can sound old-fashioned or as if you are trying to be clever.

Never have I seen such a naughty child = I have never seen such a naughty child.
Rarely have I eaten such a delicious meal = I have rarely eaten such a delicious meal.
 

Rover_KE

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Never a word he said.

That's fine because 'never' is followed by an article – not a plural noun.

Rover
 
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