Choose the correct option to complete the given sentence with an adverbial clause:
No sooner did he see us _________.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → than he disappeared
No sooner ... than:
- No sooner is always followed by than (never "when" or a plain clause).
- It shows that the second action happened immediately after the first.
- With "no sooner" at the start, the helping verb comes before the subject: did he see.
- Complete sentence: No sooner did he see us than he disappeared.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: he started running — Incorrect. The clause has no "than", which "no sooner" requires.
Option 2: he began to cry — Incorrect. Again "than" is missing.
Option 4: he started laughing — Incorrect. Without "than" the sentence is incomplete.