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Which word is used with Hardly had or Hardly did – when or than?

6 days ago

In English grammar, the use of phrases like "hardly had" or "hardly did" often creates confusion when paired with "when" or "than." This article aims to clarify the difference between these words and guide you in using them correctly.


Hardly Had / Hardly Did: What Do They Mean?

The phrase "hardly had" or "hardly did" indicates that one event occurred almost immediately after another. These phrases are typically used in formal contexts to describe sequences of actions in the past. For example:

  • Hardly had the train left the station when it began to rain.

  • Hardly did he finish his meal when the phone rang.

In these examples, the word "hardly" emphasizes the quick succession of events. When to Use "When"

The conjunction "when" is used after "hardly had" or "hardly did" to introduce the second event in a sequence. This is the standard and grammatically correct structure.

Examples:

  1. Hardly had she entered the room when the lights went out.

  2. Hardly did they start their journey when the storm began.

"When" indicates that the second event occurred immediately after the first. It is the natural choice for such constructions. Why "Than" Is Incorrect in These Cases

The word "than" is used for comparisons (e.g., "She is taller than him"), not for sequencing events. Using "than" after "hardly had" or "hardly did" is grammatically incorrect because these phrases are not comparative; they describe the timing of events, not their relationship in terms of quality or quantity.

Incorrect Examples:

  1. Hardly had she entered the room than the lights went out. (Incorrect)

  2. Hardly did they start their journey than the storm began. (Incorrect)

In these sentences, "than" does not logically or grammatically fit.


Key Rule to Remember

Always pair "hardly had" or "hardly did" with "when," not "than."

  • Correct: Hardly had the movie begun when the fire alarm rang.

  • Incorrect: Hardly had the movie begun than the fire alarm rang.


Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  1. Misusing "than" in place of "when": Always check whether the sentence describes the timing of events (use "when") or makes a comparison (use "than").

  2. Forgetting subject-verb agreement: Ensure the subject and verb align correctly when using "hardly had" or "hardly did."

Practice Sentences:

Try completing these sentences with "when" or "than."

  1. Hardly had the guests arrived ___ it began to snow.

  2. Hardly did I finish my assignment ___ the teacher asked for it.

  3. Hardly had they stepped outside ___ the rain poured down.

(Answers: 1. when, 2. when, 3. when)


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