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No sooner had we left the house than it started to rain.
B1Sentence
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.