Choose the option that correctly uses an inversion after 'Scarcely':
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Scarcely had the rocket cleared the launchpad when telemetry signals were lost.
- Step 1: Initial restrictive adverb 'Scarcely' requires subject-auxiliary inversion ('had + subject + past participle') paired correlatively with 'when'.
- Step 2: 'Scarcely had the rocket cleared... when' adheres strictly to inverted syntax and standard correlative conjunction rules.
Answer
Scarcely had the rocket cleared the launchpad when telemetry signals were lost.
Why not the others: Sentence 2 lacks inversion; Sentence 3 pairs 'scarcely' with 'than' (only 'no sooner' takes 'than'); Sentence 4 pairs 'did' with the past participle 'cleared'.
Practise more Grammar, Syntax and Sentence Structure.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed EmSAT Achieve (UAE) mock tests.
More Grammar, Syntax and Sentence Structure questions
- Choose the option that correctly completes the sentence: 'Neither the lead engineer nor the laboratory assistants _______ aware of the calib…
- Identify the sentence that contains an error in parallel structure:
- Complete the conditional sentence: 'Had the emergency drainage valves been inspected regularly, the catastrophic overflow _______ prevented.…
- Which sentence correctly demonstrates the subjunctive mood for an imperative recommendation?
- Select the correct transition word: 'Solar desalination plants require high upfront capital; _______, their operational fuel costs are essen…
- Identify the dangling modifier in the choices below: