No sooner… than… Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Sequential Actions Use when describing two actions that happened in sequence, almost simultaneously. No sooner had she finished her speech than applause filled the room. Pro Tip 2/3Past Perfect The first action often uses past perfect tense to emphasize its completion before the second. No sooner had the sun set than the stars appeared. Pro Tip 3/3Immediate Response Indicates an immediate reaction or consequence to an event. No sooner had the lights gone off than her phone rang.