neither can we

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "neither can we" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express agreement with a negative statement made previously, indicating that the speaker also cannot do something. Example: "If they cannot attend the meeting, neither can we."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Neither can we".

The New York Times

Neither can we James.

The Guardian - Music

He can't, and neither can we.

The New Yorker

But neither can we be naïve.

The New York Times

Climate change is not waiting – neither can we".

The Guardian

Bateman doesn't look away, and neither can we.

The Guardian - Books

Lawrence shoots back, "Neither can we make Arabia England".

The New York Times

Neither can we blithely ignore the risks that liberty creates.

The New York Times

But neither can we excuse ourselves from our role in creating it.

The New York Times

But neither can we offer all of the refugees asylum here.

The Guardian - Opinion

If you can't get excited about that hot dog, then neither can we, Quigley.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "neither can we", ensure it directly follows a negative statement to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "They cannot attend the event; neither can we."

Common error

Avoid starting a sentence with "neither can we" without a preceding negative statement. It requires a clear connection to something previously mentioned that is not possible or true. Instead of just saying "Neither can we" start by clarifying what the negative statement is and follow with ", neither can we".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "neither can we" functions as a conjunction phrase expressing agreement with a preceding negative statement. According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct. It indicates that the speaker or group shares the same inability or limitation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "neither can we" is a grammatically correct and common phrase used to express agreement with a preceding negative statement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, predominantly in news media and scientific publications. Alternatives include "we can't either" and "we also cannot". When using "neither can we", ensure it directly follows a negative statement and avoid starting a sentence with it without proper context. According to Ludwig examples, the phrase is most frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we can't either

Replaces "neither" with "either" and restructures the sentence slightly, retaining the same meaning.

we also cannot

Uses "also cannot" instead of "neither can", providing a more direct and less formal alternative.

nor can we

Employs "nor" for a slightly more formal tone, similar to "neither".

we are unable to either

Substitutes "can" with "are unable to", offering a more explicit expression of inability.

we are similarly restricted

Indicates that the speaker faces similar restrictions or limitations.

it's the same for us

A simpler and more informal way of expressing agreement with a limitation.

we face the same constraints

Highlights that the speaker is subject to the same constraints or limitations.

we are likewise affected

Indicates that the speaker is affected in a similar way.

that applies to us too

Expresses agreement more indirectly, indicating that the same limitation applies to the speaker.

we're in the same boat

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey that the speaker shares the same predicament.

FAQs

How do I use "neither can we" in a sentence?

"Neither can we" is used to express agreement with a previous negative statement. For example, "If they cannot attend the meeting, "neither can we"."

What's a less formal alternative to "neither can we"?

Less formal alternatives include "we can't either" or "we also cannot".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "neither can we"?

Starting a sentence with "neither can we" is grammatically correct when it immediately follows and refers to a preceding negative statement. Without that context, it's incomplete.

What is the difference between "neither can we" and "nor can we"?

"Neither can we" and "nor can we" are largely interchangeable, both used to agree with a negative statement. "Nor" tends to be slightly more formal.