neither can it be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neither can it be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to make a comparison between two things and to emphasize that neither of them can be done. For example, "The project deadline cannot be extended, neither can it be postponed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The United States cannot fail to take reasonable precautions at its embassies, but neither can it be paralyzed and shut down its diplomatic functions for prolonged periods.

The New York Times

Neither can it be rushed.

Independent

Neither can it be said that kettling is entirely lawful.

The Guardian - Opinion

Neither can it be Nigel, since he goes by foot.

The Guardian

But neither can it be ended in current conditions.

The New York Times

Such decadence need not be permanent, but neither can it be undone by political willpower alone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

In this case, we assume that the receiver filter for the specific DSSS radio in use is neither known, nor can it be estimated analytically.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"Compensation received by public sector employees is neither the cause – nor can it be the solution – to the state's financial problems," the researchers concluded in their report.

University of California, Berkeley

As the Economic Policy Institute writes: "Public sector workers' compensation is neither the cause, nor can it be the solution to, the state's financial problems.

Huffington Post

"This is a sad day as it is clear to all that this government neither listens, nor can it be trusted, to do the right thing for local communities.

The Guardian

A VANET is neither a restricted geographical area, nor can it be made predictable by a central controller due to its highly dynamic characteristics and requirements on low delay.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "neither can it be" to smoothly connect two negative statements, ensuring clarity and flow in your writing. For instance, "The evidence is not conclusive, neither can it be interpreted as definitive proof."

Common error

Avoid using "either" in the same clause as "neither". "Neither" already implies a negative condition for both options; using "either" becomes redundant and grammatically incorrect. Instead of saying "Neither can it be either", simply use "Neither can it be."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neither can it be" functions as a negative correlative conjunction, connecting two independent clauses or phrases to indicate that if one statement is not true or possible, the subsequent statement is also not true or possible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to make a comparison between two things.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "neither can it be" is a useful construction for connecting two negative statements, indicating that if one is not possible, the other shares the same fate. As Ludwig AI points out, it's about comparison and shared impossibility. This phrase is grammatically sound and appears across diverse sources, from news media to scientific articles, reflecting its broad applicability. While versatile, it is important to avoid redundancy by not pairing it with "either" in the same clause. While it shows up in diverse sources, it's considered best suited for neutral to formal writing, as it provides a level of sophistication and clarity to arguments or explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nor can it be

Emphasizes a parallel negation, highlighting that the second option is also impossible.

it cannot be either

Indicates that the mentioned item or action is not possible in the given circumstances.

it's not possible either

Expresses the impossibility of something in a slightly more informal tone.

it's also not feasible

Focuses on the practicality and viability of an option.

it is also not an option

Clarifies that something cannot be considered as a viable choice.

it is equally unachievable

Stresses that something is similarly impossible to accomplish.

it isn't viable as well

Suggests the lack of feasibility in addition to something previously mentioned.

that's also out of the question

Emphasizes the impossibility with a stronger, more decisive tone.

that's not an alternative either

Indicates something cannot be considered as an alternative option.

it is likewise unattainable

Stresses that something is similarly impossible to achieve.

FAQs

How can I use "neither can it be" in a sentence?

Use "neither can it be" to connect two negative statements, indicating that if one condition is not possible, the other is not possible either. For example, "The project deadline cannot be extended, "neither can it be" postponed."

What's a more formal alternative to "neither can it be"?

A more formal alternative to "neither can it be" is "nor can it be". It serves the same purpose of connecting negative statements but is often preferred in academic or professional writing.

Is it ever correct to use "either" in the same sentence as "neither can it be"?

No, it is generally incorrect and redundant to use "either" in the same clause as "neither can it be". The "neither" already conveys the negative condition, making "either" unnecessary. For example, instead of "Neither can it be either", the correct form is "Neither can it be."

Which is correct: "neither can it be" or "it can neither be"?

"Neither can it be" is generally used to connect two negative independent clauses, while "it can neither be" is used when modifying one item in the same clause. For example: "The item cannot be returned, "neither can it be" exchanged." vs "It can "neither be" returned nor exchanged."