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Hrsanei Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Neither-nor

Hi.

I know it is correct to say

He does not drink nor smoke or he neither drinks nor smokes

but I wonder if we can use the following structure.

He does not drink neither smoke.

Thanks
  

Top answer

No you cannot. You could use this: He does not drink, and neither does he smoke. And your first sentence ('He does not drink nor smoke') is not grammatically right either; it should be ' or '.

— Mister Micawber

  • No you cannot.
  • You could use this: He does not drink, and neither does he smoke.
  • And your first sentence ('He does not drink nor smoke') is not grammatically right either; it should be ' or '.
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3 Answers
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No you cannot. You could use this:

He does not drink, and neither does he smoke.

And your first sentence ('He does not drink nor smoke') is not grammatically right either; it should be 'or'.
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Thanks Mister Micawber for your response.

But to my knowledge not ....nor is a popular and common structure which is more emphatic than not ... or.

I don't know maybe it is wrong in the way I used. The following are the exact explanation of my grammar reference (Practical English Usage by Michael Swan)

not . . .nor

Nor can follow not
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Frankly, I am surprised that Michael said that. I have never seen that 'emphatic' form used in careful English. Well, you are welcome to follow his advice if you wish.
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