English grammar – Spot the error (choose the part with an error or “No error”). Inversion pattern: Hardly had the / sad news reached her / ears when she / broke into tears.

Introduction / Context:
The structure “Hardly … when …” with past perfect is correct in A–C. The test here is idiomatic verb choice for the reaction: English prefers “burst into tears,” not “broke into tears.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Trigger: “Hardly had … when …” (past perfect + simple past) is grammatical.
• Noun phrase: “sad news” functions as subject of “reached.”
• We must examine idiom accuracy in D.

Concept / Approach:
With tears and laughter, the natural collocations are “burst into tears” and “burst into laughter,” not “break into tears.” “Break into” collocates with “song,” “a run,” or “a smile,” but not “tears.” Hence, Part D is the erroneous segment.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Final Answer:
broke into tears.