nor even

USAGE SUMMARY

"nor even" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in conjunction with the word "not" to add emphasis or to express a stronger negative sentiment. It is typically used in formal or literary writing, rather than in everyday spoken language. Example: She didn't like him, nor even tolerate his presence in the room.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor, even, do carrot sticks.

The Economist

Nor, even, is London.

The New York Times - Arts

Nor even the second.

The Guardian

Nor even performances.

The Guardian - Sport

Not Carpineto, surely, nor even Abruzzo.

The New York Times - Travel

Chile is not Venezuela, nor even Argentina.

The Economist

Nor even every senator, or every comedian.

The New Yorker

Nor even as a straight play.

The Guardian

Nor even if you're still the same dog!

Cornell University

It is also not scintillating, nor even engaging.

The Economist

One swallow doesn't make a summer, nor even five swans.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nor even" to add emphasis or a stronger negative sentiment after a preceding negative statement. It enhances the contrast and strengthens the overall negation. For instance, "He didn't flinch, "nor even" blink an eye."

Common error

Avoid using "nor even" after positive statements, as it is intended to follow a negative clause. For example, it's incorrect to say "He enjoyed the movie, "nor even" the snacks." Instead, use "or even" or rephrase the sentence to start with a negation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nor even" functions as a negative conjunction, adding emphasis to a preceding negative statement. As Ludwig AI states, it's used to express a stronger negative sentiment. It connects two negative clauses, reinforcing the initial negation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

29%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nor even" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction for emphasizing negative statements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often used to add force or a stronger negative sentiment after a preceding negative clause. Its typical usage spans across News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts, making it versatile for various writing styles, particularly leaning towards more formal registers. When employing "nor even", ensure it follows a negative statement to avoid misuse. Consider alternatives such as "not even" or "much less" to diversify your expression. This phrase serves to underscore the absence or improbability of something, thereby strengthening your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not even

Emphasizes negation, focusing on the unexpected absence of something.

and certainly not

Adds emphasis to a negative statement by highlighting the improbability.

much less

Indicates something is even less likely than the preceding statement.

let alone

Similar to "much less", used to emphasize the impossibility of something.

neither...nor

Presents two negative options or conditions.

not to mention

Highlights an additional point that further reinforces the preceding statement.

or even

Indicates a surprising addition to a preceding idea.

in no way

Expresses a strong negation or denial.

by no means

Similar to "in no way", emphasizing the impossibility of something.

far from it

Used to strongly negate a previous suggestion or statement.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "nor even" in a sentence?

Use "nor even" after a negative statement to emphasize the negation. For instance, "She didn't acknowledge him, "nor even look at him"" strengthens the idea that she completely ignored him.

What are some alternatives to "nor even" for emphasizing a negative point?

Alternatives include "not even", "much less", or "let alone", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "nor even"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "nor even" is not common and can sound awkward. It's generally better to use it to connect two negative clauses within a single sentence or to follow a previous negative statement.

What's the difference between "nor even" and "or even"?

"Nor even" is used after a negative statement to add further negation, while "or even" is used after a positive statement to add a surprising or unexpected element. For example, "He didn't acknowledge her, nor even look at her" versus "He might buy a car, or even a boat".