B110K+

Nor

UK /["/nɔː(r)/"]/US /["/nɔːr/"]/

Definition

and not

In simple words: used to connect two negative options

Examples

  • She seemed neither surprised nor worried.
  • He wasn't there on Monday. Nor on Tuesday, for that matter.
  • Not a building nor a tree was left standing.
  • She doesn't like them and nor does Jeff.
  • ‘I'm not going.’ ‘Nor am I.’

Usage notes

Nor is often used in more formal contexts, especially in literary or academic writing. Avoid using it in informal spoken English. Typically follows a negative clause.

Grammar pattern

nor + subject + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'nor' as a door that doesn't open to either option.

Collocations

  • nor do I
  • neither here nor there
  • nor can I

Synonyms

  • or
  • neither
  • not either

Antonyms

  • or

Common mistakes

  • Used 'nor' after a positive statement instead of a negative one.
  • Confused 'nor' with 'or'.
  • Incorrectly placed 'nor' at the beginning of a sentence without a preceding negative clause.