0
Philip Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
? for BrEng Natives
A friend recently sent me an email with a list of negative "facts" about a particular culture in the 20th Century. At the end, she said, "nor should any of this be a reason to bomb the heck out of the city".
She has published at least two novels, and I respect her linguistic integrity. She is from Australia originally and has spent many years in Britain and in the U.S. Is the use of "nor" without a "neither" common in places other than in the U.S.? Is it common in the U.S. without my knowing about it?
I'd love to hear from those who really have an answer to this, rather than just conjecture.
She has published at least two novels, and I respect her linguistic integrity. She is from Australia originally and has spent many years in Britain and in the U.S. Is the use of "nor" without a "neither" common in places other than in the U.S.? Is it common in the U.S. without my knowing about it?
I'd love to hear from those who really have an answer to this, rather than just conjecture.
Top answer
What precedes "nor"? Is the part you quote the tail end of a full sentence or does it stand alone?
- What precedes "nor"?
- Is the part you quote the tail end of a full sentence or does it stand alone?
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
7 Answers
0
What precedes "nor"? Is the part you quote the tail end of a full sentence or does it stand alone?
00
All that preceded this was the list of negative comments. The part in question should have a capital N, making it the supposed summary sentence.
"Nor should all........."
Sorry I didn't make it clearer.
"Nor should all........."
Sorry I didn't make it clearer.
00
PhilipAll that preceded this was the list of negative comments. The part in question should have a capital N, making it the supposed summary sentence.Right, I see. To me as a British English speaker, I wouldn't say this usage is common exactly, but I would read it without particularly remarking on its being notab
"Nor should all........."
00
0
It's used after "neither", or it can be also used after a negative clause to add another negative clause. From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English:
nor:
(formal) used after a negative statement in order to introduce another negative statement containing a similar kind of information. Ex: I don't expect children to be rude, nor do I expect to be disobeyed.
nor:
(formal) used after a negative statement in order to introduce another negative statement containing a similar kind of information. Ex: I don't expect children to be rude, nor do I expect to be disobeyed.
00
KooyeenIt's used after "neither", or it can be also used after a negative clause to add another negative clause.The preceding sentences weren't negative in construction. They were just negative thoughts like "they slaughter animals mercilessly; they all drink too much; they let their children run wild in the streets". My concern was beginning a sente
00
PhilipThe preceding sentences weren't negative in construction. They were just negative thoughtsAh, that's different. In fact, I found it strange to think you were asking about "negative construction" + nor... because you definitely knew that was possible, since you are a native speaker.
0
Related Questions