He had scarcely stepped outside _____ it began to rain.a)thanb)whenc)f...
- Choice B is correct as the preposition 'when' means 'the timing' of the rain.
- Choice A is incorrect as it is used to compare two things.
- Choice C is incorrect as it is used to show purpose.
- Choice D is incorrect as it means to associate with something. Hence B is the correct choice.
He had scarcely stepped outside _____ it began to rain.a)thanb)whenc)f...
Explanation of the Correct Answer
The correct answer to the sentence "He had scarcely stepped outside _____ it began to rain." is option 'b) when'. Here's a detailed explanation of why this choice fits best:
Understanding the Context
- The phrase "scarcely...when" is a common English structure used to indicate that two events happen in quick succession.
- In this case, it implies that the moment he stepped outside, rain began immediately.
Why 'When' is Appropriate
- Immediate Reaction: The word "when" suggests a direct correlation between the two actions. As he stepped outside, the rain started right away.
- Temporal Connection: "When" indicates a specific time or moment, showing that one event follows the other closely.
Why Other Options Don't Fit
- Option a) than: This word is used for comparisons, not for indicating time. It does not fit the context of two events occurring in sequence.
- Option c) for: This preposition indicates duration or purpose, which does not convey the immediacy required in this context.
- Option d) with: This implies simultaneous actions or accompaniment, which does not capture the rapid succession of stepping outside and the rain beginning.
Conclusion
- The best choice, "when," effectively conveys the intended meaning of the sentence.
- Understanding the nuances of conjunctions and prepositions is key to mastering such sentence structures.