Understanding the correct use of “neither…nor” in sentences is crucial for clear and grammatically correct writing. This conjunction pair is used to express a negative connection between two items, ideas, or statements.
Here, we will explore the rules and provide examples to clarify when you should and should not use a comma with “neither…nor.”
Rules for Using “Neither…Nor”
Rule 1: Connecting Simple Elements
When “neither…nor” connects simple elements such as nouns or adjectives, you typically do not need a comma.
Correct Usage:
- She is neither happy nor sad.
- The movie was neither interesting nor boring.
Incorrect Usage:
- She is neither happy, nor sad.
- The movie was neither interesting, nor boring.
Explanation: Adding a comma disrupts the connection between the simple elements linked by “neither…nor.”
Rule 2: Connecting Independent Clauses
If “neither…nor” is used to connect two independent clauses, a comma may be used before “neither” to avoid confusion, though it’s not always necessary.
Correct Usage:
- I couldn’t find my keys, neither could I remember where I had parked my car.
- He didn’t want to go out, nor did he wish to stay home alone.
Incorrect Usage:
- I couldn’t find my keys neither could I remember where I had parked my car.
- He didn’t want to go out nor did he wish to stay home alone.
Explanation: A comma before “neither” can help in separating complex ideas for better readability.
Rule 3: Starting a Sentence
When starting a sentence with “neither…nor,” you do not need a comma after “nor.”
Correct Usage:
- Neither the rain nor the cold could stop them from completing their journey.
Incorrect Usage:
- Neither the rain, nor the cold could stop them from completing their journey.
Explanation: The conjunction pair is strong enough to connect the elements without the need for a comma.
Rule 4: With Parenthetical Elements
If “neither…nor” is part of a parenthetical element within a sentence, commas should be used to enclose the entire parenthetical phrase, not within the “neither…nor” structure.
Correct Usage:
- The trip, neither planned nor expected, turned out to be wonderful.
Incorrect Usage:
- The trip, neither planned, nor expected, turned out to be wonderful.
Explanation: The commas around the parenthetical element set it off from the rest of the sentence, not within the “neither…nor” structure.
Rule 5: With Serial Lists
In lists where “neither…nor” is used to negate all items, no commas are needed unless the list items themselves contain commas.
Correct Usage:
- The package contained neither fruits, vegetables, nor grains.
Incorrect Usage:
- The package contained neither fruits, vegetables, nor, grains.
Explanation: The “neither…nor” structure negates all items in the list without needing additional commas.
Rule 6: Emphasizing Contrast
When emphasizing a contrast or an exception with “neither…nor,” no commas are used unless the sentence structure naturally requires them for clarity or separation of ideas.
Correct Usage:
- She would accept neither excuses nor delays in the project’s completion.
Incorrect Usage:
- She would accept neither excuses, nor delays in the project’s completion.
Explanation: The absence of a comma keeps the negation clear and direct.
Rule 7: Complex Sentences
In complex sentences, where “neither…nor” is part of a larger structure, use commas to separate independent clauses or to add clarity as per standard comma rules, not specifically for “neither…nor.”
Correct Usage:
- We will neither postpone the meeting, nor will we cancel it without further discussion.
Incorrect Usage:
- We will, neither postpone the meeting nor will we cancel it without further discussion.
Explanation: Commas are used according to standard rules for complex sentences, not to separate “neither…nor.”
Rule 8: Neither…Nor With Other Conjunctions
When “neither…nor” is used in conjunction with other conjunctions like “but” or “and,” place commas according to the rules governing those conjunctions, not for “neither…nor.”
Correct Usage:
- He was neither late nor absent, but he was not fully prepared.
Incorrect Usage:
- He was neither late, nor absent, but he was not fully prepared.
Explanation: The comma before “but” follows standard usage, not because of “neither…nor.”
Read More: Is There a Comma After “i.e.”?
Rule 9: Clarity and Readability
Use commas if they enhance clarity or readability, especially in longer sentences or more complex thoughts connected by “neither…nor.”
Correct Usage:
- In the end, neither the long wait, nor the cold weather, nor the early start deterred the fans.
Incorrect Usage:
- In the end neither the long wait nor the cold weather nor the early start deterred the fans.
Explanation: Commas are used for clarity in listing multiple negated elements.
Rule 10: Avoiding Double Negatives
Ensure that “neither…nor” does not create a double negative with other parts of the sentence unless intentionally used for stylistic reasons.
Correct Usage:
- She said neither yes nor no.
Incorrect Usage:
- She didn’t say neither yes nor no.
Explanation: The second example creates a double negative, which is generally to be avoided for clear communication.
Dariel Campbell is currently an English instructor at a university. She has experience in teaching and assessing English tests including TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG. With over a decade of teaching expertise, Dariel Campbell utilizes his knowledge to develop English lessons for her audience on English Overview.
