meaning - What is the correct way to use "neither" and "nor" in a sentence together?


Given these facts:



  1. The tool cannot be found in the kitchen.

  2. The tool cannot be found in the bathroom.


Which is the correct sentence to represent the situation above?




  1. I can find the tool neither in the kitchen nor in the bathroom.

  2. I cannot find the tool neither in the kitchen nor in the bathroom.

  3. I cannot find the tool, neither in the kitchen nor in the bathroom.




Answer



The neither/nor combination expresses negation all by itself. Therefore it should be used with a positive statement. The following is correct.



I can find the tool neither in the kitchen nor in the bathroom.



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