4.72 'neither' in replies

'Neither' can be used on its own as a reply, to refer to two alternatives which have already been mentioned.

• 'Does that mean Yes or No?' --- 'Neither'.

4.73

If a clause contains a negative word, particularly 'not', you can use 'neither' or 'nor' to negate a second clause. In the second clause, you put 'neither' or 'nor' first, followed by the verb, followed by the subject.

• This isn't a dazzling achievement, but neither is it a negligible one.
• These people are not insane, nor are they fools.

If there is an auxiliary, it is placed in front of the subject in the second clause.

• The organization had broken no rules, but neither had it acted responsibly.
• I do not wish to be rude to you but neither do I wish to be rude to Simon.