Spot the error in the sentence; if there is no error, choose ‘‘No error.’’ Sentence: Scarcely had he gone a few steps that he was told that his mother was no more.

Introduction / Context:This item tests correct correlative pairing with negative adverbials at the beginning of a clause. ‘‘Scarcely’’ and ‘‘hardly’’ are followed by ‘‘when,’’ not ‘‘that.’’

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Inversion used: ‘‘Scarcely had he…’’ (correct formal inversion).
• Connector supplied: ‘‘that’’ (incorrect).

Concept / Approach:Standard pairings are ‘‘No sooner … than …’’ and ‘‘Hardly/Scarcely … when …’’ Mixing them leads to errors such as ‘‘Scarcely … that …’’ or ‘‘No sooner … when …’’

Step-by-Step Solution:Recognize frame: ‘‘Scarcely had + subject + past participle’’.Choose correct linker: ‘‘when’’ (not ‘‘that’’).Correct sentence: ‘‘Scarcely had he gone a few steps when he was told that his mother was no more.’’

Verification / Alternative check:Swap ‘‘Scarcely’’ with ‘‘No sooner’’ and adjust: ‘‘No sooner had he gone a few steps than he was told…’’ either structure validates the correction.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:A: Proper inversion. B: Past participle ‘‘gone’’ fits after ‘‘had.’’ D: Content clause is fine.

Common Pitfalls:Confusing the pairs ‘‘scarcely/when’’ and ‘‘no sooner/than’’; forgetting inversion after initial negative adverbials.

Final Answer:that he was told