English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Inversion pattern: No sooner did he / got up from bed / than he was sent / to the dairy.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: got up from bed

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This tests the “No sooner … than …” inversion pattern with the auxiliary “did.” After “did,” the main verb must be in its base form. Identify the part that violates this rule.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Trigger phrase: “No sooner … than …”.
  • Auxiliary “did” already carries the past-tense marking.
  • The event sequence is immediate (“no sooner … than …”).


Concept / Approach:
In negative inversion with “did,” place the main verb in base form: “No sooner did he get up … than …”. Using “got” duplicates the past marking and is incorrect in this construction.



Step-by-Step Solution:

A: “No sooner did he” — correct inversion with auxiliary.B: “got up from bed” — error; should be “get up from bed.”C: “than he was sent” — correct correlative and passive.D: “to the dairy.” — correct prepositional phrase.


Verification / Alternative check:

Corrected sentence: “No sooner did he get up from bed than he was sent to the dairy.”


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

They are not wrong; the only violation is the past form “got” after “did.”


Common Pitfalls:

Using a past main verb after “did” in negative inversion structures; confusing “hardly … when …” with “no sooner … than …”.


Final Answer:
got up from bed

More Questions from Spotting Errors

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion