Which should you use, barely … than or barely … when? Barely means only just. Since barely is not a comparative, it is not followed by than. Use barely … when instead.
| Incorrect: |
It had barely begun than it came to an abrupt end.
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| Correct: |
It had barely begun when it came to an abrupt end.
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| Incorrect: |
Barely had he arrived than she started complaining.
|
| Correct: |
Barely had he arrived when she started complaining.
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