no sooner... - English Spanish Translator Org: Translation Forum � Translators Forums

elmeromero · 04-23-2007, 09:51 AM

Does anyone have any opinions on the usage of the following structure:

No sooner had...

My question is what does the second clause look like? What word does it begin with?

Thanks.

SandraT · 04-23-2007, 10:37 AM

Hi elmeromero...found this and I hope it helps...

no sooner is a comparative adverb like better in no better, the expression should be followed by than, not when:
No sooner had she come than the maid knocked.
I had no sooner left than she called.

...usually is followed by than, as in No sooner had I hung up than the phone rang again, but when can also occur, perhaps mainly in Conversational use, as in No sooner had we decided to compromise when suddenly the argument broke out again. Than is best for Edited English.

emilyb · 04-23-2007, 03:55 PM

i agree with sandra. "no sooner than" or "no sooner had I.....than" are both correct.

elmeromero · 04-25-2007, 01:29 PM

thanks sabrina for taking the time to look for such a good answer and respond.

04-23-2007, 09:51 AM	#1
elmeromero Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 181 Rep Power: 110	no sooner... Does anyone have any opinions on the usage of the following structure: No sooner had... My question is what does the second clause look like? What word does it begin with? Thanks.

04-23-2007, 10:37 AM	#2
SandraT Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Havana,Cuba Posts: 776 Rep Power: 615	Hi elmeromero...found this and I hope it helps... no sooner is a comparative adverb like better in no better, the expression should be followed by than, not when: No sooner had she come than the maid knocked. I had no sooner left than she called. ...usually is followed by than, as in No sooner had I hung up than the phone rang again, but when can also occur, perhaps mainly in Conversational use, as in No sooner had we decided to compromise when suddenly the argument broke out again. Than is best for Edited English. __________________ _____________________________ [Have a nice day!!! ♥ Sandra T ♥

04-23-2007, 03:55 PM	#3
emilyb Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Argentina Posts: 394 Rep Power: 241	i agree with sandra. "no sooner than" or "no sooner had I.....than" are both correct. __________________ Emily B

04-25-2007, 01:29 PM	#4
elmeromero Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 181 Rep Power: 110	great answer, sabrina thanks sabrina for taking the time to look for such a good answer and respond.

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