nor can we

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nor can we" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a negative statement in conjunction with a previous negative statement, often to emphasize that something is also not possible for the speaker or the group they represent. Example: "We cannot ignore the consequences of our actions, nor can we pretend that everything will be fine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Nor can we".

The New York Times

But nor can we afford a giveaway".

The Economist

Nor can we force them.

The Guardian

Nor can we say they were boring.

The Guardian - Sport

Nor can we allow men to be excluded from it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor can we see from the photograph of Spc.

The New York Times - Arts

Nor can we rest easy about what lies ahead.

The Guardian - Film

Nor can we stop the attacks on our streets.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nor can we compromise with honor and duty".

The New Yorker

Nor can we even be sure of such a wish.

The New Yorker

Nor can we rely on exports to fill the gap.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nor can we" after a negative statement to introduce another negative clause that applies to the speaker or a group they represent. This construction adds emphasis and reinforces the initial negation.

Common error

Avoid using "nor can we" after an affirmative statement. This phrase is specifically designed to follow a negative clause, and using it otherwise disrupts the logical flow and grammatical correctness of the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nor can we" functions as a coordinating conjunction introducing a negative clause that parallels a previous negative statement. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates a shared inability or negation, reinforcing the initial point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nor can we" is a commonly used conjunction phrase that effectively extends a negative statement to include the speaker or a group they represent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts and should always follow a preceding negative clause to maintain its logical and grammatical function. Remember to avoid using it after affirmative statements and consider using synonyms such as "neither can we" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neither can we

Uses "neither" instead of "nor" to express the same negative agreement.

we also cannot

Rephrases using "also cannot" for a slightly more direct tone.

we are not able to either

Expresses inability using "are not able" with a focus on capability.

nor are we able to

Uses "nor" with "are we able to" to convey inability, altering word order.

we cannot do so either

Indicates inability to perform a specific action mentioned previously.

similarly, we cannot

Highlights the similarity in inability to a previous statement.

likewise, we are unable

Uses "likewise" to show agreement in being unable to do something.

in the same vein, we cannot

Connects the inability to a preceding idea using "in the same vein".

by the same token, we cannot

Emphasizes the parallel inability with "by the same token".

we're equally incapable of

Stresses the equal lack of capability in a particular situation.

FAQs

How do I use "nor can we" in a sentence?

Use "nor can we" after stating a negative condition to add another negative condition that also applies to the subject. For example, "We cannot ignore the problem, "nor can we" pretend it doesn't exist".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "nor can we"?

Starting a sentence directly with "nor can we" is grammatically incorrect. "Nor can we" should follow a preceding negative statement to introduce an additional negative point.

What's the difference between "neither can we" and "nor can we"?

"Neither can we" and "nor can we" are mostly interchangeable. Both are used to introduce a negative clause related to a previous negative statement. "Neither" is sometimes perceived as slightly more formal, but in practice, they function similarly.

Can I use "nor can we" if the first clause is positive?

No, "nor can we" is only appropriate after a negative clause. It connects two negative statements to indicate that if one condition is not true, the following condition also cannot be true. For example, "We do not support the proposal, "nor can we" recommend it to others."