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.

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:

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