nor could there be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nor could there be" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express that something is not possible or does not exist, often in a negative context. Example: "There was no solution, nor could there be any hope for a resolution." Alternative expressions include "nor can there be" and "neither can there be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

There is no written standard for such a judgment, nor could there be; it must be made case by case.

The New Yorker

PUHL: The first 'part of your question I answer with "no". There was no objection on principle, nor could there be; for, after all, every German organization or institution had the legal right to enjoy the services of the Reichsbank.

Yale University

In fact, there is no way to know exactly how many supporters of each candidate were chosen for an audit — nor could there be, since individual-level voting records and audit records are private.

The New York Times

There is not the least suggestion in the Court's opinion that the nature of the claim has anything to do with the trustworthiness of the evidence involved; nor could there be, since the Court's rule is entirely unconnected with the reliability of a confession.

Cornell University

Nor could there be an absolute defeat.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, there was no discernible movement -- nor could there be.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Could there be mass arrests?

The New Yorker

Could there be "species selection"?

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Could there be inherited memories?" Rogen wondered.

The New Yorker

But could there be another motive here?

The Economist

Could there be wonder in that?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nor could there be" to introduce a second negative statement that is related to the first. Ensure that the first statement is also negative to maintain logical consistency.

Common error

Avoid using "nor could there be" after a positive statement. "Nor" always introduces a negative clause that relates to a preceding negative clause. Using it after a positive statement creates a grammatical error and confuses the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nor could there be" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a negative clause. It typically follows another negative statement, reinforcing the negation or adding a related impossibility. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and is well supported by examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

40%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nor could there be" is a conjunction phrase used to introduce a negative clause, typically following another negative statement. It is grammatically correct and expresses impossibility or absence. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's reliability, supported by examples primarily from News & Media and Academia. To ensure proper usage, avoid placing it after positive statements. This phrase adds emphasis and reinforces the negative context, suitable for both formal and informal writing, though leaning towards a more structured tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neither could there be

Simple variation using 'neither' instead of 'nor', maintaining the same structure and meaning.

nor could it be

Replaces 'there' with 'it' focusing on a specific subject rather than existence in general.

nor could that happen

Emphasizes the impossibility of an event occurring.

nor would that be possible

Shifts the emphasis to possibility using 'would' instead of 'could'.

nor is that feasible

Replaces the modal verb with 'is' and uses the adjective 'feasible' to indicate impossibility.

nor is it conceivable

Emphasizes the lack of imaginability or plausibility.

that wasn't possible either

Expresses the same idea using a completely different structure, focusing on past impossibility.

that's also not an option

Indicates that something is not a viable choice or alternative.

nor should there be

Changes the modality to express that something is not desirable or appropriate.

nor shall there be

Expresses a strong sense of prohibition or prevention in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "nor could there be" in a sentence?

Use "nor could there be" to introduce a second negative clause that is related to the first. For example: "There was no evidence of wrongdoing, "nor could there be", given the meticulous record-keeping."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "nor could there be"?

Alternatives to "nor could there be" include phrases such as "neither could there be", or "nor would that be possible", depending on the specific context.

Is "nor could there be" formal or informal?

"Nor could there be" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in written or formal spoken language. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

Is it correct to use "nor could there be" after a positive statement?

No, it is not correct. "Nor" should only be used to introduce a negative clause that follows another negative clause. Using it after a positive statement creates a grammatical error. Instead, use "and" or another appropriate conjunction.