but no sooner vs but not sooner

Both "but no sooner" and "but not sooner" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "But no sooner" is used to indicate that something happens immediately after another event, while "but not sooner" is used to emphasize that something will happen at a later time, not before.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 1139 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something happens immediately after another event.

"but no sooner"

This phrase is used to show that one event happens immediately after another. It is often used in sentences like 'He had just finished his meal, but no sooner had he left the table than the phone rang.'

Examples:

She had barely closed the door, but no sooner had she turned around than she saw him standing there.
I had just sat down to rest, but no sooner had I closed my eyes than the alarm went off.
The team had won the championship, but no sooner had they celebrated than they started preparing for the next season.

Show examples from the web [+]

Cosmetics (including sunscreens) can be applied over the treated areas, but no sooner than five minutes after application.
- or request immediate issuing of the licence, in which case the competent authority shall issue it without delay but no sooner than the Monday following the lodging of the licence application.
When the time comes, she and her brother must be brought together in Odessa, but no sooner.
But no sooner has Mr Schröder left than they are at it again.
But no sooner had he turned up, the Doctor was gone again, leaving Amy wondering where her raggedy man had disappeared to.
But no sooner do I become indispensable than they bring in a machine to do the job!

Alternatives:

as soon as
immediately after
right after
without delay

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something will happen at a later time, not before.

"but not sooner"

This phrase is used to emphasize that something will happen at a later time, not before. It is often used in sentences like 'I will do it, but not sooner than next week.'

Examples:

I will consider your proposal, but not sooner than the end of the month.
She promised to help, but not sooner than after her exams.
He agreed to the plan, but not sooner than after he consulted his team.

Show examples from the web [+]

But not sooner than six months from now.
Maybe not, but the sooner you accept it, the easier your decisions will be.
Maybe not, but the sooner you accept it, the easier your decisions will be.
But sooner or later you have to provide for your family.
But sooner or later, every man shows himself.
It's not perfect yet, but sooner or later...
Perhaps, but sooner or later there'll be other.
But sooner or later you get cornered.
But sooner or later find a free track.
But sooner or later, our warden would come knocking.
But sooner or later, our warden would come knocking.
But sooner or later, we have to face the light.
But sooner or later you will.
But sooner or later, Ronnie would've got arrested.
Now he can lay low, he can become invisible, but sooner or later the disease will flush him out.
The Home Office may be protecting you now but sooner or later, you will make a mistake.
Maybe so, but sooner or later, they'll get a trace on you.
Look, I'm willing to forgive and forget, but sooner or later, you'll want to meet up.
Sure, you can stick to the small talk and pretend it's not there, but sooner or later...
Those little heirs are hard to get hooked, but sooner or later, their turn will come.

Alternatives:

only after
not until
at a later time
after a certain point

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but no sooner vs but not sooner

"but no sooner"

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