Could someone please give me an example of a backword syntax used in a sentence.?

Answer 1

Situations in which you might find backward syntax:

PROPER USES (but must take care!)

- for emphasis
"Parodies of TIME writing usually begin like "Outraged was snaggletoothed, bilious, ambidextrous Herman Zilch ..." But nowadays TIME editors do not think highly of backward syntax except as an occasional way of emphasizing a point."
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,792152,00.html

-(related to this) poetic/lyric uses (the one that always comes first to my mind formed the title of a song we sang in our church youth choir years ago "Happy am I!" each stanza began with this expression, followed by the reason)

Of course, it is quite common for poetry to stretch and play with the common (prose) syntax of any language. (This may be poorly done, simply to make a rhyme scheme work, or may artfully emphasize and connect key words.)


MISUSE - e.g. certain passive constructions:
"The passive voice is writing's darkest villain. It breeds convoluted sentences and backward syntax ("The opportunity to interview with your fine company was greatly appreciated")."
http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/resumes/19980827-richardson.html


YODA ?

"Yoda. . . tended to place verbs (especially auxiliary verbs) after the object and subject (an object-subject-verb format). An example of Yoda's speech pattern: 'When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not.'"
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Yoda#Personality_and_traits

for many examples from his speech see:
http://www.quotemountain.com/quotes/yoda_quotes/
http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0080684/quotes

Note that in Yoda's syntax has a variety of effects. At times it simply sounds awkward or even humorous. But in other instances if effectively emphasizes a point (usually by placing the key word at the beginning).


HUMOR - as in the sort of parodies of Time and more so of Yoda mentioned above (and unintentionally in hack poetry)

Answer 2

"Through the land the river flowed"
"Thrilled am I, this invitation to have received"

Backward syntax provides a poetical feel. For any other examples, think Yoda from Star Wars!