What Does “Neither… Nor” Mean?
“Neither… nor” is a correlative conjunction used to connect two negative alternatives. When you use this structure, you are saying that two things are both not true or do not happen. In essence, it is the negative equivalent of “either… or.”
Basic Grammar Structure of “Neither… Nor”
The typical grammar structure for “neither… nor” is:
Neither + noun/verb/adjective/phrase + nor + noun/verb/adjective/phrase
This means you can use “neither… nor” to connect nouns, verbs, adjectives, or even entire clauses. The elements after “neither” and “nor” should be parallel (the same grammatical form).
1. Connecting Nouns
Neither my teacher nor my classmates understood the question.
2. Connecting Verbs
She neither speaks nor writes English fluently.
3. Connecting Adjectives
The movie was neither exciting nor funny.
4. Connecting Clauses
Neither did he call me, nor did he send a message.
Subject-Verb Agreement with “Neither… Nor”
One of the trickiest parts for learners is subject-verb agreement. When “neither… nor” connects two subjects, the verb usually agrees with the subject that is closest to it (the one after “nor”).
For example:
- Neither my friends nor my brother is coming. (The verb “is” agrees with “brother”)
- Neither my brother nor my friends are coming. (The verb “are” agrees with “friends”)
Common Mistakes for Chinese Learners
Chinese learners often face challenges with “neither… nor” because this structure does not directly exist in Chinese grammar. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Using double negatives: Do not use “not” with “neither… nor.” For example, “I don’t like neither apples nor oranges” is incorrect. The correct form is “I like neither apples nor oranges.”
- Lack of parallelism: Ensure that the words or phrases after “neither” and “nor” are in the same grammatical form.
- Subject-verb agreement errors: Always make the verb agree with the subject closer to “nor.”
Practical Examples for Chinese Speakers
Here are some useful sentences to help you practice:
- Neither my mother nor my father speaks Chinese.
- Neither the book nor the movie was interesting.
- She can neither read nor write in English.
- They neither called nor sent a message.
Tips to Master “Neither… Nor”
- Practice with parallel structures: When using “neither… nor,” always check that both parts are grammatically parallel.
- Read and listen: Pay attention to how native speakers use “neither… nor” in books, movies, and conversations.
- Use language learning tools: Platforms like Talkpal can help you practice these structures in interactive exercises tailored for Chinese learners.
- Try rewriting: Convert “not… either” sentences into “neither… nor” sentences. For example, “I don’t like apples or oranges” becomes “I like neither apples nor oranges.”
Conclusion
Mastering the “neither… nor” structure will add precision and variety to your English communication. Remember to keep your structures parallel, ensure correct subject-verb agreement, and avoid double negatives. With regular practice and the right resources, such as those available at Talkpal, Chinese learners can confidently use “neither… nor” in everyday English. Keep practicing and watch your grammar skills improve!
