"but no sooner" vs "but not sooner"

Question

"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

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.

Alternatives:

as soon as
immediately after
right after
without delay

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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

but no sooner

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

Answer 2

but not sooner

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

"but no sooner" vs "but not sooner"

but no sooner

but not sooner

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