Correct use of "neither" & "nor"? Proofreading question?

Question

I stumbled upon a sentence while proofreading my friend's paper. "Contrary to popular belief, [hallucinogenics] neither induce compulsive drug use nor withdrawal symptoms."
Now it is obviously wrong, as it suggests that hallucinogenics do not induce compulsive drug use AND they do not withdrawal symptoms.
Logically, the verb should be placed before "neither". Which leaves us with two options:
Contrary to popular belief, hallucinogenics induce neither compulsive drug use nor withdrawal symptoms.
OR
Contrary to popular belief, hallucinogenics do not induce either compulsive drug use or withdrawal symptoms.
Which is the correct form?

Answer 1

"Hallucinogen" and "hallucinogenic" are both acceptable. The latter can be an adjective or a noun. "Is not addictive" is more direct than "does not cause compulsive drug use." Only addictive drugs can cause withdrawal symptoms, so in a way it's superfluous to mention it but you could say "hallucinogens are not addictive and therefore cannot induce withdrawal symptoms."

Answer 2

In your example, to be correct you should put: "...induce neither a compulsive.....nor withdrawal...."



In other words, the verb (in this case "induce") must be seen to apply to both what is after "neither" and what is after "nor", so it cannot come after "neither".



As you suggest, you could use the form: "...do not induce either...., or...." but that form is possibly less usual in feel.



Both forms are "correct" as far as grammar is concerned, it is a matter of style and usage as to which form you use.

Answer 3

You're correct in saying that "induce" isn't placed properly. Other than that, you can use 'neither-nor' or 'either-or' with the change in verb (induce vs do not induce).

Answer 4

Both of your final two options are acceptable. You're right that the original sentence is incorrect.

Answer 5

either one