Learn · Sentences Inversion Sentences
Hardly had I arrived when the movie started.
A2Sentence
Narrator
Hardly had I arrived when the movie started.
Study notes
How to use in different contexts
Narrating a Story
I barely got there before the film began.
Expressing Surprise
No sooner had I arrived than the movie started, it was unexpected!
Emphasis on Speed
The movie commenced almost immediately after my arrival.
Comparing Events
My arrival and the movie's start were almost simultaneous.
Rephrased versions
Formal
Upon my arrival, the movie commenced immediately.
Casual
I just got there and the movie started right away.
Simpler English
The movie began as soon as I got there.
Phrases to learn
Hardly had I arrived
Almost immediately after arriving.
when the movie started
At the same time or immediately after.