Please help

[WZ]

Please help explain:

1. Is "still" used after or before "can(not)", "must (not)", "should (not)"?

2. We have "either A or B" and "neither A nor B". But if I want to talk about 3 or more things (A, B, C, D...), are the structures still the same? (either A or B or C... ?)

3. We use "both A and B" (for 2 things), but what if I want to talk about 3 or more, what structure should be used?
E.g. In this sentence: "He is both smart and funny.", how should I write when I want to use "smart, funny, handsome,..."

[danmahaffey]

Please help explain:

1. Is "still" used after or before "can(not)", "must (not)", "should (not)"?Still can be used before any of the word combinations you asked about. Example: Even with the new computer system, students still should not expect grades to be available before 1:00 PM the day following exams.

2. We have "either A or B" and "neither A nor B". But if I want to talk about 3 or more things (A, B, C, D...), are the structures still the same? (either A or B or C... ?)You may write, choose either A, B, C, or D. If this sounds awkward or illogical to you, and it does to some, you can rephrase it to be, choose from among A, B, C or D.

3. We use "both A and B" (for 2 things), but what if I want to talk about 3 or more, what structure should be used?
E.g. In this sentence: "He is both smart and funny.", how should I write when I want to use "smart, funny, handsome,..."Simply write that he is smart, funny and handsome. Example: I admire my older brother. He is smart, funny and handsome. I have seen some writers use a word of comparison such as likewise or equally to emphasize the mutual importance of all the characteristices, like this: I admire my older brother. He is equally smart, funny and handsome. Or this, her boyfriend is hardly as smart, funny or handsome as mine.

Good luck.

[WZ]

Thanks for your reply. Still, there are some things I want to ask:
1. You said "still" is used before "can", but I think "I can still do it" sounds more natural than "I still can do it" (It's just what I think). Is that right?
2. "either A, B, C or D" is OK. But is "neither A, B, C, nor D" also used?
Please explain.

[danmahaffey]

Thanks for your reply. Still, there are some things I want to ask:
1. You said "still" is used before "can", but I think "I can still do it" sounds more natural than "I still can do it" (It's just what I think). Is that right?
2. "either A, B, C or D" is OK. But is "neither A, B, C, nor D" also used?
Please explain.1. There are many ways to say things that are correct, and natural. So when I told you that one way was correct, I hope you know that I didn't mean to tell you that other ways were not correct.

These are all possible, and can have subtle differences in meaning:
Still, I can not do it.
I still can not do it.
I can still not do it.
I can not still do it.
I can not do it, still.2. You can write neither A, B, C, nor D, and be correct. It would be clearer to use none of. Example: When you choose, take none of A, B, C, or D.

Enjoy, and good luck.