Is more than one "nor" after a "neither" correct?

Question

Is it correct to use more than one nor clause in a neither expression? For instance:

Neither the question, nor the answers, nor the comments

Even if it is, is it so rarely used that it would be better to reword the sentence, or is it fine to use as is?

According to this answer to a different, though related, question, it is correct. Still, I'd like to have an answer about the second part of the question. — o0'., Feb 05 '13 at 23:56

score 29 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 15 '20 at 07:40

29

Some people will insist that correct usage insists that neither can only be used with two items.

I am not one of those people, and I consider that sentence perfectly good.

Kipling wasn't one of those people either:

But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,

When two strong men stand face to face, though they come from the ends of the earth!

It might be a bit too good, in fact! The format used gives a nice rhythm that can make it stand out strongly. If it's not a sentence it's appropriate to have stand out strongly, then "none of the questions, answers or comments" might be a better wording.

But if it's not standing out when you read over, or if it is an appropriate place to have some extra rhetorical oomph, then keep it.

edited Jun 15 '20 at 07:40

Community

1

answered Feb 05 '13 at 23:57

Jon Hanna

53,363

+1 Kipling for Wodehouse. I don't suppose you keep Graves and Shaw in your quiver as well? – StoneyB on hiatus Feb 06 '13 at 00:01
@StoneyB I'd be surprised if I never quote them at some point. Though in another field I'll object that the problem with Graves is that he's too good a poet, which led people to take The White Goddess way too seriously. The effect on Wicca was of debatable value (while we stole from Kipling too, we only stole his poetry, so the effect was entirely positive). – Jon Hanna Feb 06 '13 at 00:08
"Do you like Kipling?" / "I don't know, you naughty boy, I've never kippled!" – MT_Head Feb 06 '13 at 00:12
@JonHanna This side of the pond the people who take WG too seriously mostly can't read the poetry - or the prose either. What'd you steal from Kipling? The incidental verses from Puck/Rewards? – StoneyB on hiatus Feb 06 '13 at 00:26
@StoneyB our borrowing from Graves wasn't all bad because some can read the poetry (both side of the pond), but you're guessing correctly with Puck, specifically "A Tree Song". – Jon Hanna Feb 06 '13 at 00:34
@StoneyB Some Shaw for you. Graves will have to wait. – Jon Hanna Feb 19 '13 at 19:04

score 17 · Answer 2 · answered Feb 05 '13 at 23:58

17

The unofficial motto of the US Postal Service (adapted from Herodotus) is

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

Yes, it's perfectly fine, and not at all unusual.

answered Feb 05 '13 at 23:58

StoneyB on hiatus

68,905

2

@Lohoris Real Kipling beats fake Herodotus every time. – StoneyB on hiatus Feb 06 '13 at 00:02

score -1 · Answer 3 · edited Mar 17 '16 at 18:07

-1

Surely "neither" and "either" are indeed to be used only with two objects. If someone asks you whether you want a spoon, fork or knife, I don't agree it sounds right to say "either" or "neither" as an answer.

edited Mar 17 '16 at 18:07

Dinesh Kumar Garg

2,440

answered Mar 17 '16 at 16:08

Cato

144

Is more than one "nor" after a "neither" correct?

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