Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.Hardly _________ when t...
'Hardly had we arrived' is the correct inversion structure used after 'hardly.'
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Choose the correct option to fill in the blank.Hardly _________ when t...
Understanding the Sentence Structure
In the sentence "Hardly _________ when the rain started pouring down," the blank needs to be filled with the correct form of the verb that aligns with the introductory phrase "Hardly."
Inversion in English
- When using "hardly," the structure of the sentence often requires an inverted form. This means that the auxiliary verb (in this case, "had") comes before the subject (in this case, "we").
- This inversion creates a more formal and correct structure in English.
Analysis of the Options
- Option A: we had arrived
- Incorrect. This is a standard declarative sentence and does not use the required inversion.
- Option B: we have arrived
- Incorrect. Similar to option A, this also lacks the necessary inversion and is in the present perfect tense.
- Option C: had we arrived
- Correct. This option uses the inversion needed after "hardly," making it grammatically correct and fitting the context.
- Option D: have we arrived
- Incorrect. This option also misses the inversion and is in the present perfect tense.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer is option C, "had we arrived," which properly uses inversion following "hardly." This structure indicates that something occurred immediately after another event, in this case, the rain starting to pour down right after the arrival.