Nor can I

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Nor can I" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express agreement with a negative statement or to indicate that the speaker is also unable to do something. Example: "I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow." "Nor can I."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Nor can I submit any special requests.

The New York Times - Books

Nor can I tear myself away.

The Guardian

Nor can I remember where and how we ate.

The New Yorker

Nor can I deny the way my own skills changed.

The New York Times

Nor can I, and I don't care to be reminded.

The Guardian - Sport

Nor can I smell anything out of the ordinary.

The New Yorker

Nor can I forget the rape charge Kobe managed to get quashed.

The New Yorker

Nor can I quite put obesity on a par with being black, female or homosexual.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nor can I imagine the "pass" made at Ilyena in the third act better done.

The Guardian

Nor can I fathom an assailant who would allow his victim that "one phone call".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Strangely enough, nor can I. Sitting in the Observer's offices, I notice something else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Nor can I" to succinctly express agreement with a negative statement or shared inability, enhancing clarity and flow in your writing. It's particularly effective in formal contexts or when aiming for a slightly elevated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "Nor I can" instead of the correct inverted form "Nor can I". Remember that after "nor", the auxiliary verb (can, do, will, etc.) must precede the subject.

Linguistic Context

"Nor can I" functions as a negative concord, expressing agreement with a preceding negative statement. It indicates that the speaker shares the same inability or negative condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Nor can I" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express agreement with a negative statement or shared inability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While alternatives like "Neither can I" or "I can't either" exist, "Nor can I" maintains a slightly more formal tone suitable for various writing contexts, especially in news and media. Remember to maintain the correct subject-verb inversion to avoid grammatical errors. Its prevalence in reputable sources underscores its reliability in formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Neither can I

Uses "neither" instead of "nor", offering a slightly more common alternative for expressing the same idea.

I can't either

A more direct and informal way of expressing the same sentiment.

I'm not able to either

Similar in meaning to "I can't either" but uses "not able to" instead of "can't".

I am unable to as well

A more formal and verbose way of stating inability.

I, likewise, cannot

A more formal and emphatic way of expressing inability.

I share that sentiment

Expresses agreement with a stated feeling or opinion.

The feeling is mutual

Expresses a shared sentiment or inability, though less direct.

That applies to me too

Indicates that a previous statement is also true for the speaker.

Same here

A very informal way of agreeing, implying the same inability or feeling.

I'm in the same boat

Implies a shared predicament or inability.

FAQs

How to use "Nor can I" in a sentence?

"Nor can I" is used to express agreement with a negative statement. For example, if someone says, "I can't attend the meeting", you can respond with "Nor can I" to indicate that you also cannot attend.

What is the difference between "Nor can I" and "Neither can I"?

The phrases "Nor can I" and "Neither can I" are largely interchangeable and have the same meaning. "Neither" is generally more common in modern English, but "nor" is also perfectly acceptable.

Can I use "Nor can I" in informal conversations?

While grammatically correct, "Nor can I" may sound slightly formal for very casual conversations. In informal settings, "I can't either" or "Me neither" might be more appropriate.

Is it correct to say "Nor I can" instead of "Nor can I"?

No, "Nor I can" is grammatically incorrect. The correct structure requires subject-verb inversion after "nor", so it should always be "Nor can I".