XXIII, neither IIIXX nor XIIIX, represents 23. Is it correct grammar?

I want to say that we cannot represent 23 in Roman as both IIIXX and XIIIX. The correct representation for 23 in Roman is XXIII.

If I write like this

XXIII, neither IIIXX nor XIIIX, represents 23 in roman.

is it correct grammar?

Solution 1:

I would say that it is probably grammatical, but because 'neither' is not common introducing a clause like that, it is very confusing: it is not clear on first reading what the relationship is between the main clause and the parenthetical phrase.

Apart from the suggestions already made, 'but' would mend it, as it makes the relationship between them clearer:

XXIII, but neither IIIXX nor XIIIX,

Solution 2:

I would say "The Roman numeral for 23 is XXIII. Variations like IIIXXX and XIIIX, although logical, would not be correct."

Solution 3:

I see no reason for it to be incorrect: 'neither IIIXX, nor XIIX' is known as dependent clause, so you have:

(subject) (dependent clause) (transitive verb) (direct object) (adverbial phrase)

It is the same, in my opinion, as

In Roman, XXIII — not IIIXX or XIIX — represents 23

Of course, adverbial phrases can be moved around reasonably freely. However, I do like Mike Pope's rewording.