Common mistake either X nor Y
Using 'either X nor Y' correctly
One common mistake in English grammar is the incorrect use of the phrase 'either X nor Y'. This mistake can easily be fixed by using the word 'neither' instead. Let's explore why!
Using 'neither' instead
When we want to express a negative statement involving two options, we often use the word 'neither'. For example:
- Incorrect: Either John nor Mary called me yesterday.
- Correct: Neither John nor Mary called me yesterday.
In the correct example, we replaced 'either' with 'neither'. This makes the sentence grammatically accurate and easier to understand.
Using 'or' instead
Another way to correct the mistake is by using the word 'or' instead of 'nor'. Let's take a look at an example:
- Incorrect: Either he didn't see the movie, nor did he read the book.
- Correct: He either didn't see the movie or he didn't read the book.
In this corrected example, we replaced 'nor' with 'or'. This usage is more commonly used and makes the sentence sound natural.
Remember, when expressing a negative statement involving two options, use 'neither' or 'or' instead of 'either X nor Y'.
Linguix grammar checker is a powerful tool that can help you avoid common grammar mistakes like this one and improve your writing. It provides real-time suggestions and explanations, making it easier to write with confidence.
either X nor Y mistake examples
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Incorrect:I have not attached either the product description nor the pricing schedule.Correct:I have attached neither the product description nor the pricing schedule.
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Incorrect:They protest against roles which do not benefit either men nor women.Correct:They protest against roles which benefit neither men nor women.
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Incorrect:I don't like either sushi nor eggs.Correct:I like neither sushi nor eggs.
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Correct:It should not overload either of these circuits, nor cause any other electrical problems.
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Incorrect:It failed intermittently for more than a day but there was nothing in either our client nor in our server logs…Correct:It failed intermittently for more than a day but there was nothing in either our client or in our server logs…
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Correct:Richard Murphy, Assistant Secretary of State during the war, testified to Congress in 1984 that the Reagan administration believed a victory for either Iran or Iraq was "neither militarily feasible nor strategically desirable."
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Correct:For example, it is not the case either that R is a subset of P nor that P is a subset of R.
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Incorrect:It should not overload either of these circuits, nor cause any other electrical problems.Correct:It should not overload either of these circuits, or cause any other electrical problems.
