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.

Question

Solve this multiple-choice question and choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

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

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.

More Questions from Spotting Errors

Discussion & Comments