English grammar — Spot the error (choose the segment that contains a grammatical error; choose ‘‘No error.’’ if the sentence is correct). Sentence: No sooner the clock strike six than all the employees rushed out of office.
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ANo sooner the
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Bclock strike six than
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Call the employees
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Drushed out of office.
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ENo error.
Answer
Correct Answer: No sooner the
Explanation
Introduction / Context:This classic pattern tests the correlative construction “No sooner … than …” and the requirement of subject–auxiliary inversion with “did” in the first clause when the main verb is in simple past.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The intended meaning: immediately after the clock struck six, employees rushed out.
- With “No sooner,” the correct form is: “No sooner did + subject + base verb … than … + past action.”
Concept / Approach:Inversion is mandatory after negative adverbials placed at the beginning (“No sooner,” “Not only,” “Rarely,” etc.). Also check the verb form after the auxiliary.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify structure: “No sooner the clock strike six than …” lacks the auxiliary “did” and fails inversion.Correct pattern: “No sooner did the clock strike six than …”Verb form: After “did,” the main verb must be base form “strike,” but in idiomatic narrative we often use “struck” without “did.” With the correlative pattern, use “did + strike.”Locate error: Segment A “No sooner the” signals the missing “did the.”Verification / Alternative check:Fully corrected sentence: “No sooner did the clock strike six than all the employees rushed out of the office.”
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- B: Contains “strike” with “than,” which becomes correct once “did the” is supplied earlier.
- C/D: Grammatically acceptable phrases.
Common Pitfalls:Placing “did” after the subject (“No sooner the clock did strike…”), or using past form after “did” (“did struck”)—both are incorrect.
Final Answer:No sooner the