Band 7+ Grammar Structures

QuestionAnswer
Inversion: "Not only _____ the cost increase, but quality also declined."
did
Not only did the cost increase, but quality also declined.
Inversion: "Rarely _____ such rapid progress been achieved in medical research."
has
Rarely has such rapid progress been achieved in medical research.
Inversion: "Under no circumstances _____ this information be shared with third parties."
should
Under no circumstances should this information be shared with third parties.
Inversion: "Never before _____ the world faced such a complex environmental challenge."
has
Never before has the world faced such a complex environmental challenge.
Inversion: "Only by investing in education _____ a nation truly prosper."
can
Only by investing in education can a nation truly prosper.
Inversion: "No sooner _____ the law been passed than protests erupted across the country."
had
No sooner had the law been passed than protests erupted across the country.
Inversion: "Little _____ they realise the full extent of the environmental damage."
did
Little did they realise the full extent of the environmental damage.
Inversion: "Seldom _____ we see such a dramatic shift in public opinion."
do
Seldom do we see such a dramatic shift in public opinion.
Inversion: "Hardly _____ the government announced the policy when criticism began."
had
Hardly had the government announced the policy when criticism began.
Inversion: "On no account _____ students be permitted to use electronic devices during the exam."
should
On no account should students be permitted to use electronic devices during the exam.
Third conditional: "If the government _____ acted sooner, the crisis could have been avoided."
had
If the government had acted sooner, the crisis could have been avoided.
Third conditional: "Had the research _____ conducted earlier, many more lives could have survived."
been
Had the research been conducted earlier, many more lives could have survived.
Formal conditional: "Were it not _____ international aid, many communities would face famine."
for
Were it not for international aid, many communities would face famine.
Formal conditional: "_____ the funding be approved, construction will begin immediately."
Should
Should the funding be approved, construction will begin immediately.
Third conditional: "The outcome would have been different if stricter regulations _____ been in place."
had
The outcome would have been different if stricter regulations had been in place.
Mixed conditional: "If the country _____ invested in renewable energy decades ago, it would not be so dependent on imports now."
had
If the country had invested in renewable energy decades ago, it would not be so dependent on imports now.
Formal conditional: "Were the government _____ increase funding, the problem could be resolved."
to
Were the government to increase funding, the problem could be resolved.
Second conditional: "If every household _____ to reduce its energy consumption by 10%, the impact would be enormous."
were
If every household were to reduce its energy consumption by 10%, the impact would be enormous.
Third conditional: "If more emphasis _____ been placed on prevention, the outbreak could have been contained."
had
If more emphasis had been placed on prevention, the outbreak could have been contained.
Formal conditional: "_____ this trend continue, the consequences will be severe."
Should
Should this trend continue, the consequences will be severe.
Participle clause: "_____ considered all the evidence, the committee reached its decision."
Having
Having considered all the evidence, the committee reached its decision.
Participle clause: "_____ from a historical perspective, the policy represents a significant shift."
Viewed
Viewed from a historical perspective, the policy represents a significant shift.
Participle clause: "_____ into account the rising costs, the project may no longer be viable."
Taking
Taking into account the rising costs, the project may no longer be viable.
Participle clause: "_____ in 2019, the study examined the effects of urbanisation on mental health."
Published
Published in 2019, the study examined the effects of urbanisation on mental health.
Participle clause: "_____ with limited resources, the team produced remarkable results."
Working
Working with limited resources, the team produced remarkable results.
Participle clause: "_____ completed the training programme, participants were awarded a certificate."
Having
Having completed the training programme, participants were awarded a certificate.
Participle clause: "_____ to extreme weather conditions, the region has developed resilient infrastructure."
Exposed
Exposed to extreme weather conditions, the region has developed resilient infrastructure.
Participle clause: "_____ that the deadline was approaching, the team increased their efforts."
Realising
Realising that the deadline was approaching, the team increased their efforts.
Participle clause: "_____ correctly, renewable energy can meet a significant portion of demand."
Utilised
Utilised correctly, renewable energy can meet a significant portion of demand.
Participle clause: "_____ by the findings, the government revised its environmental policy."
Alarmed
Alarmed by the findings, the government revised its environmental policy.
Passive: "It is widely _____ that education is the key to economic development."
acknowledged
It is widely acknowledged that education is the key to economic development.
Passive: "The proposal is said to _____ been rejected by the majority of committee members."
have
The proposal is said to have been rejected by the majority of committee members.
Passive: "It is generally _____ that climate change poses a threat to global food security."
accepted
It is generally accepted that climate change poses a threat to global food security.
Passive: "The number of applicants is _____ to have doubled since last year."
believed
The number of applicants is believed to have doubled since last year.
Passive: "It has been _____ that air pollution causes over four million premature deaths annually."
estimated
It has been estimated that air pollution causes over four million premature deaths annually.
Passive: "The new measures are _____ to reduce emissions by up to 30%."
expected
The new measures are expected to reduce emissions by up to 30%.
Passive: "It is often _____ that technological progress always leads to social improvement."
assumed
It is often assumed that technological progress always leads to social improvement.
Passive: "The policy was _____ to have been a failure by most political analysts."
considered
The policy was considered to have been a failure by most political analysts.
Passive: "Steps are being _____ to address the growing problem of youth unemployment."
taken
Steps are being taken to address the growing problem of youth unemployment.
Passive: "It should be _____ out that these results are preliminary and require further verification."
pointed
It should be pointed out that these results are preliminary and require further verification.
Subjunctive: "It is essential that every child _____ given equal access to education."
be
It is essential that every child be given equal access to education.
Subjunctive: "The committee recommended that the plan _____ revised before implementation."
be
The committee recommended that the plan be revised before implementation.
Subjunctive: "It is vital that the government _____ immediate action to address the issue."
take
It is vital that the government take immediate action to address the issue.
Subjunctive: "The report urged that funding _____ allocated to mental health services."
be
The report urged that funding be allocated to mental health services.
Subjunctive: "It is imperative that measures _____ put in place before the situation worsens."
be
It is imperative that measures be put in place before the situation worsens.
Subjunctive: "The professor insisted that every student _____ the assignment independently."
complete
The professor insisted that every student complete the assignment independently.
Subjunctive: "It is desirable that all employees _____ trained in first aid procedures."
be
It is desirable that all employees be trained in first aid procedures.
Subjunctive: "The proposal demands that the company _____ its environmental practices."
review
The proposal demands that the company review its environmental practices.
Cleft sentence: "It _____ education that holds the key to reducing poverty in the long term."
is
It is education that holds the key to reducing poverty in the long term.
Cleft sentence: "What _____ needed above all else? A comprehensive approach to healthcare reform."
is
What is needed is a comprehensive approach to healthcare reform.
Cleft sentence: "It was not until the 20th century _____ women gained the right to vote in most countries."
that
It was not until the 20th century that women gained the right to vote in most countries.
Cleft sentence: "What concerns experts _____ is the rapid rate of species extinction."
most
What concerns experts most is the rapid rate of species extinction.
Cleft sentence: "It is only _____ examining the data closely that the true pattern emerges."
by
It is only by examining the data closely that the true pattern emerges.
Cleft sentence: "What makes this study unique _____ its longitudinal design spanning two decades."
is
What makes this study unique is its longitudinal design spanning two decades.
Cleft sentence: "It was the Industrial Revolution _____ fundamentally transformed urban landscapes."
that
It was the Industrial Revolution that fundamentally transformed urban landscapes.
Nominalization: "The _____ of forests has accelerated dramatically in recent decades." (destroy → noun)
destruction
The destruction of forests has accelerated dramatically in recent decades.
Nominalization: "The _____ of new policies requires careful planning and consultation." (implement → noun)
implementation
The implementation of new policies requires careful planning and consultation.
Nominalization: "The _____ of wealth continues to widen in many industrialised nations." (distribute → noun)
distribution
The distribution of wealth continues to widen in many industrialised nations.
Nominalization: "The _____ of renewable energy sources is crucial for a sustainable future." (adopt → noun)
adoption
The adoption of renewable energy sources is crucial for a sustainable future.
Nominalization: "The _____ of the economy depends heavily on consumer confidence." (recover → noun)
recovery
The recovery of the economy depends heavily on consumer confidence.
Nominalization: "The _____ of traditional values is a concern for many older generations." (erode → noun)
erosion
The erosion of traditional values is a concern for many older generations.
Nominalization: "The _____ of biodiversity poses a serious threat to ecosystem stability." (lose → noun)
loss
The loss of biodiversity poses a serious threat to ecosystem stability.
Nominalization: "The _____ of the findings was met with both praise and scepticism." (publish → noun)
publication
The publication of the findings was met with both praise and scepticism.
Nominalization: "The _____ of resources is a key challenge for developing nations." (allocate → noun)
allocation
The allocation of resources is a key challenge for developing nations.
Nominalization: "The _____ of the population has placed strain on public services." (age → noun)
ageing
The ageing of the population has placed strain on public services.
Hedging: "It _____ be argued that economic growth should not come at the expense of the environment."
could
It could be argued that economic growth should not come at the expense of the environment.
Hedging: "There _____ to be a strong correlation between income and educational attainment."
appears
There appears to be a strong correlation between income and educational attainment.
Hedging: "The evidence _____ to suggest that early intervention is more effective."
tends
The evidence tends to suggest that early intervention is more effective.
Hedging: "This _____ indicate that the policy has not achieved its intended goals."
may
This may indicate that the policy has not achieved its intended goals.
Hedging: "It is _____ likely that the trend will continue in the coming decade."
highly
It is highly likely that the trend will continue in the coming decade.
Hedging: "The results _____ that further research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn."
suggest
The results suggest that further research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
Hedging: "It is _____ possible that other factors contributed to the observed decline."
entirely
It is entirely possible that other factors contributed to the observed decline.
Hedging: "The data would _____ to confirm the hypothesis proposed by earlier researchers."
seem
The data would seem to confirm the hypothesis proposed by earlier researchers.
Hedging: "To a _____ extent, the success of the programme depends on parental involvement."
large
To a large extent, the success of the programme depends on parental involvement.
Hedging: "It _____ without saying that education plays a vital role in social development."
goes
It goes without saying that education plays a vital role in social development.
Comparative: "The _____ developed the infrastructure, the greater the economic potential."
more
The more developed the infrastructure, the greater the economic potential.
Emphasis: "By _____ the most significant factor is the quality of teacher training."
far
By far the most significant factor is the quality of teacher training.
Comparative: "The problem is _____ more complex than it initially appears."
far
The problem is far more complex than it initially appears.
Comparative: "The _____ we delay action on climate change, the more costly the consequences will be."
longer
The longer we delay action on climate change, the more costly the consequences will be.
Comparative: "This approach is considerably _____ effective than traditional methods."
more
This approach is considerably more effective than traditional methods.
Superlative: "Of all the challenges facing society, poverty is _____ the most pressing."
arguably
Of all the challenges facing society, poverty is arguably the most pressing.
Comparative: "The gap between rich and poor is growing ever _____."
wider
The gap between rich and poor is growing ever wider.
Reduced relative: "The study, _____ in the British Medical Journal, attracted widespread attention."
published
The study, published in the British Medical Journal, attracted widespread attention.
Relative clause: "Students _____ wish to apply for the scholarship must submit their forms by Friday."
who
Students who wish to apply for the scholarship must submit their forms by Friday.
Non-defining relative: "The new policy, _____ was introduced last year, has proven highly effective."
which
The new policy, which was introduced last year, has proven highly effective.
Reduced relative: "The resources _____ to combat the crisis were deemed insufficient."
allocated
The resources allocated to combat the crisis were deemed insufficient.
Reduced relative: "Measures _____ to reduce emissions have had limited success so far."
designed
Measures designed to reduce emissions have had limited success so far.
Non-defining relative: "China, _____ population exceeds 1.4 billion, faces unique urbanisation challenges."
whose
China, whose population exceeds 1.4 billion, faces unique urbanisation challenges.
Reduced relative: "The data _____ from the survey revealed some unexpected trends."
gathered
The data gathered from the survey revealed some unexpected trends.
Non-defining relative: "The report, the findings of _____ were controversial, sparked a national debate."
which
The report, the findings of which were controversial, sparked a national debate.
Concessive: "_____ the fact that the economy has grown, unemployment remains high."
Despite
Despite the fact that the economy has grown, unemployment remains high.
Concessive: "Much _____ the government has invested in infrastructure, the transport system remains inadequate."
as
Much as the government has invested in infrastructure, the transport system remains inadequate.
Concessive: "_____ beneficial the policy may appear, its long-term effects remain uncertain."
However
However beneficial the policy may appear, its long-term effects remain uncertain.
Purpose: "Strict regulations were introduced so _____ to prevent further environmental damage."
as
Strict regulations were introduced so as to prevent further environmental damage.
Emphasis: "So severe _____ the flooding that thousands of residents had to be evacuated."
was
So severe was the flooding that thousands of residents had to be evacuated.
Result: "The pollution was such _____ the river could no longer support aquatic life."
that
The pollution was such that the river could no longer support aquatic life.
Contrast: "_____ some argue that technology isolates people, others believe it brings them together."
While
While some argue that technology isolates people, others believe it brings them together.
Emphasis: "Such _____ the demand for housing that prices have tripled in a decade."
is
Such is the demand for housing that prices have tripled in a decade.
Addition: "Not only does exercise improve physical health, _____ it also enhances mental well-being."
but
Not only does exercise improve physical health, but it also enhances mental well-being.
Concessive: "_____ it or not, the majority of young people now prefer online learning to traditional classrooms."
Believe
Believe it or not, the majority of young people now prefer online learning to traditional classrooms.
Inversion: "At no point _____ the authorities acknowledge the severity of the situation."
did
At no point did the authorities acknowledge the severity of the situation.
Third conditional: "Had stricter measures _____ enforced, the environmental damage could have stayed minimal."
been
Had stricter measures been enforced, the environmental damage could have been minimised.
Participle clause: "_____ failed to secure adequate funding, the project was eventually abandoned."
Having
Having failed to secure adequate funding, the project was eventually abandoned.
Passive: "It is frequently _____ that social media contributes to anxiety among teenagers."
argued
It is frequently argued that social media contributes to anxiety among teenagers.
Subjunctive: "It is crucial that the public _____ made aware of the risks involved."
be
It is crucial that the public be made aware of the risks involved.
Cleft sentence: "It was a lack of investment _____ ultimately led to the collapse of the programme."
that
It was a lack of investment that ultimately led to the collapse of the programme.
Nominalization: "The _____ of the local economy has left many communities without employment." (deteriorate → noun)
deterioration
The deterioration of the local economy has left many communities without employment.
Hedging: "It is _____ that the new regulations will have a positive effect on air quality."
anticipated
It is anticipated that the new regulations will have a positive effect on air quality.
Comparative: "The _____ access people have to education, the greater the potential for social mobility."
more
The more access people have to education, the greater the potential for social mobility.
Reduced relative: "Children _____ up in bilingual households tend to develop stronger cognitive skills."
brought
Children brought up in bilingual households tend to develop stronger cognitive skills.
Inversion: "Only when governments prioritise education _____ meaningful social change occur."
will
Only when governments prioritise education will meaningful social change occur.
Formal conditional: "_____ the data prove inconclusive, additional trials will be conducted."
Should
Should the data prove inconclusive, additional trials will be conducted.
Participle clause: "_____ by rising sea levels, coastal communities have begun relocating inland."
Threatened
Threatened by rising sea levels, coastal communities have begun relocating inland.
Passive: "The region is _____ to have been inhabited for over ten thousand years."
thought
The region is thought to have been inhabited for over ten thousand years.
Subjunctive: "The organisation requested that all members _____ present at the annual meeting."
be
The organisation requested that all members be present at the annual meeting.
Cleft sentence: "What the research clearly demonstrates _____ the need for early intervention."
is
What the research clearly demonstrates is the need for early intervention.
Nominalization: "The _____ of water resources remains a contentious political issue." (distribute → noun)
distribution
The distribution of water resources remains a contentious political issue.
Hedging: "The findings _____ indicate a link between poverty and poor health outcomes."
appear to
The findings appear to indicate a link between poverty and poor health outcomes.
Concessive: "_____ widespread criticism, the government proceeded with the controversial reform."
Despite
Despite widespread criticism, the government proceeded with the controversial reform.
Non-defining relative: "The Amazon rainforest, _____ is home to millions of species, faces unprecedented threats."
which
The Amazon rainforest, which is home to millions of species, faces unprecedented threats.
Inversion: "Not until the full extent of the damage was revealed _____ the government take action."
did
Not until the full extent of the damage was revealed did the government take action.
Third conditional: "If renewable energy _____ been prioritised earlier, carbon emissions would be far lower today."
had
If renewable energy had been prioritised earlier, carbon emissions would be far lower today.
Participle clause: "_____ that demand was falling, the company diversified into new markets."
Recognising
Recognising that demand was falling, the company diversified into new markets.
Passive: "It has long been _____ that exercise improves both physical and mental health."
recognised
It has long been recognised that exercise improves both physical and mental health.
Subjunctive: "It is recommended that travellers _____ vaccinated before visiting tropical regions."
be
It is recommended that travellers be vaccinated before visiting tropical regions.
Cleft sentence: "It is not the lack of resources _____ is the problem, but the lack of political will."
that
It is not the lack of resources that is the problem, but the lack of political will.
Nominalization: "The _____ of antibiotics revolutionised the treatment of infectious diseases." (discover → noun)
discovery
The discovery of antibiotics revolutionised the treatment of infectious diseases.
Hedging: "There is a _____ to overestimate the benefits of technological advancement."
tendency
There is a tendency to overestimate the benefits of technological advancement.
Comparative: "Urban areas are _____ more polluted than their rural counterparts."
significantly
Urban areas are significantly more polluted than their rural counterparts.
Reduced relative: "The measures _____ by the committee were widely praised by environmental groups."
proposed
The measures proposed by the committee were widely praised by environmental groups.
Inversion: "In no way _____ the results suggest that the treatment is unsafe."
do
In no way do the results suggest that the treatment is unsafe.
Formal conditional: "Were the population _____ continue growing at this rate, resources would quickly become scarce."
to
Were the population to continue growing at this rate, resources would quickly become scarce.
Participle clause: "_____ to harsh criticism, the minister eventually resigned from her position."
Subjected
Subjected to harsh criticism, the minister eventually resigned from her position.
Passive: "The scheme is _____ to benefit over two million households across the country."
projected
The scheme is projected to benefit over two million households across the country.
Subjunctive: "The doctor suggested that the patient _____ a specialist as soon as possible."
see
The doctor suggested that the patient see a specialist as soon as possible.
Cleft sentence: "It was in the 19th century _____ the foundations of modern public health were laid."
that
It was in the 19th century that the foundations of modern public health were laid.
Nominalization: "The _____ of unemployment has far-reaching social consequences." (persist → noun)
persistence
The persistence of unemployment has far-reaching social consequences.
Hedging: "It would _____ that the current approach is not yielding the desired results."
seem
It would seem that the current approach is not yielding the desired results.
Emphasis: "So profound _____ the impact of the internet that it has reshaped every aspect of daily life."
is
So profound is the impact of the internet that it has reshaped every aspect of daily life.
Relative clause: "The country, the economy of _____ depends heavily on tourism, was badly affected by the pandemic."
which
The country, the economy of which depends heavily on tourism, was badly affected by the pandemic.
Inversion: "Only through international cooperation _____ the challenges of climate change be addressed."
can
Only through international cooperation can the challenges of climate change be addressed.
Third conditional: "The crisis might have _____ averted if early warning systems had functioned properly."
been
The crisis might have been averted if early warning systems had functioned properly.
Participle clause: "_____ with overwhelming evidence, the company was forced to recall its product."
Confronted
Confronted with overwhelming evidence, the company was forced to recall its product.
Passive: "It cannot be _____ that urbanisation has brought significant economic benefits."
denied
It cannot be denied that urbanisation has brought significant economic benefits.
Nominalization: "The _____ of cultural heritage sites attracts millions of tourists annually." (preserve → noun)
preservation
The preservation of cultural heritage sites attracts millions of tourists annually.
Hedging: "One _____ argue that stricter gun control would reduce violent crime."
might
One might argue that stricter gun control would reduce violent crime.
Concessive: "_____ important technology may be, it should not replace face-to-face interaction entirely."
However
However important technology may be, it should not replace face-to-face interaction entirely.
Inversion: "Nowhere _____ this problem more evident than in rapidly growing megacities."
is
Nowhere is this problem more evident than in rapidly growing megacities.
Participle clause: "_____ carefully, the data reveals a clear pattern of declining biodiversity."
Analysed
Analysed carefully, the data reveals a clear pattern of declining biodiversity.
Passive: "It is widely _____ that access to clean water is a basic human right."
held
It is widely held that access to clean water is a basic human right.
Inversion: "Not for a moment _____ the researchers doubt the validity of their findings."
did
Not for a moment did the researchers doubt the validity of their findings.
Third conditional: "If adequate precautions _____ taken, the disaster could have been prevented."
had been
If adequate precautions had been taken, the disaster could have been prevented.
Participle clause: "_____ to the public in 2020, the park now welcomes over a million visitors a year."
Opened
Opened to the public in 2020, the park now welcomes over a million visitors a year.
Nominalization: "The _____ of global trade has transformed economies around the world." (expand → noun)
expansion
The expansion of global trade has transformed economies around the world.
Hedging: "The study _____ to demonstrate a link between sleep quality and academic performance."
purports
The study purports to demonstrate a link between sleep quality and academic performance.
Cleft sentence: "What _____ this approach apart is its emphasis on community involvement."
sets
What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on community involvement.
Formal conditional: "Had it not _____ for the quick response of emergency services, the death toll would have risen."
been
Had it not been for the quick response of emergency services, the death toll would have risen.
Concessive: "Effective _____ the policy may be in theory, its practical application remains questionable."
as
Effective as the policy may be in theory, its practical application remains questionable.
Reduced relative: "The conclusions _____ in the report have sparked considerable controversy."
drawn
The conclusions drawn in the report have sparked considerable controversy.
Passive: "It is _____ reported that the company plans to expand into three new markets."
widely
It is widely reported that the company plans to expand into three new markets.
Inversion: "Only after the election results were announced _____ the true scale of the shift become clear."
did
Only after the election results were announced did the true scale of the shift become clear.
Participle clause: "_____ equipped with modern technology, the hospital can now treat twice as many patients."
Newly
Newly equipped with modern technology, the hospital can now treat twice as many patients.
Subjunctive: "The law requires that every building _____ inspected annually for fire safety."
be
The law requires that every building be inspected annually for fire safety.
Nominalization: "The _____ of strict penalties has failed to deter repeat offenders." (introduce → noun)
introduction
The introduction of strict penalties has failed to deter repeat offenders.
Hedging: "It remains _____ whether the proposed reforms will achieve their stated objectives."
unclear
It remains unclear whether the proposed reforms will achieve their stated objectives.
Comparative: "All the _____ reason, then, to invest heavily in preventive healthcare."
more
All the more reason, then, to invest heavily in preventive healthcare.
Inversion: "So rapid _____ the spread of the virus that borders were closed within days."
was
So rapid was the spread of the virus that borders were closed within days.
Third conditional: "The famine would not have occurred _____ the government responded to early warnings."
had
The famine would not have occurred had the government responded to early warnings.
Passive: "New approaches to urban planning are being _____ in cities across the developing world."
adopted
New approaches to urban planning are being adopted in cities across the developing world.
Cleft sentence: "It is through education _____ societies can break the cycle of poverty."
that
It is through education that societies can break the cycle of poverty.
Participle clause: "_____ the limitations of the study, the authors called for further research."
Acknowledging
Acknowledging the limitations of the study, the authors called for further research.
Nominalization: "The _____ of greenhouse gases must be drastically cut to meet climate targets." (emit → noun)
emission
The emission of greenhouse gases must be drastically cut to meet climate targets.
Hedging: "It is _____ to say that technology has transformed the way we communicate."
fair
It is fair to say that technology has transformed the way we communicate.
Inversion: "Scarcely _____ the ink dried on the agreement before disputes arose."
had
Scarcely had the ink dried on the agreement before disputes arose.
Reduced relative: "The challenges _____ by developing nations require coordinated international support."
faced
The challenges faced by developing nations require coordinated international support.
Formal conditional: "Were it _____ for public pressure, the reforms would never have taken place."
not
Were it not for public pressure, the reforms would never have taken place.
Concessive: "_____ having access to vast natural resources, the country remains one of the poorest in the world."
Despite
Despite having access to vast natural resources, the country remains one of the poorest in the world.
Passive: "It must be _____ in mind that correlation does not imply causation."
borne
It must be borne in mind that correlation does not imply causation.
Nominalization: "The _____ of civil liberties is a fundamental principle of democratic governance." (protect → noun)
protection
The protection of civil liberties is a fundamental principle of democratic governance.
Inversion: "Only with sustained effort and investment _____ lasting change be achieved."
can
Only with sustained effort and investment can lasting change be achieved.