A sentence is inverted if it does not follow the normal subject-verb-object pattern (see 47c). Many inversions sound artificial and should be avoided except in the most formal contexts. But if an inversion sounds natural, it can provide a welcome touch of variety.

In the revision, the subject, hearts, appears after the verb, were set. Notice that the two parts of the verb are also inverted—and separated from each other (Set . . . were)—without any awkwardness or loss of meaning.

Inverted sentences are used for emphasis as well as for variety (see 14f).