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No sooner had we left the house than it started to rain.

B1

Sentence

Narrator

No sooner had we left the house than it started to rain.

Study notes

How to use in different contexts

Narrating a Story

We had barely left the house when the heavens opened.

Expressing Surprise

Imagine, we'd just stepped outside and it started pouring!

Comparing Events

It rained almost immediately after we left, unlike yesterday.

Adding Emphasis

The rain began the second we were out the door; it was unbelievable!

Rephrased versions

Formal

Immediately upon our departure from the residence, precipitation commenced.

Casual

We'd just gotten out of the house, and bam! It started raining.

Simpler English

We left the house, and then it rained.

Phrases to learn

No sooner...than

As soon as; immediately after.

started to rain

Began raining.