Distributive Adjective: Function, Placement, & Exercises

A distributive adjective is a type of adjective that describes individual members of a group or refers to things one at a time. It helps to distribute or divide the group into its individual parts or members.

For example, consider the sentence: “Each student received a book.” In this sentence, the word “each” is a distributive adjective because it emphasizes that every student received a book individually, one at a time.

Distributive adjectives highlight the idea of individuality or singularity within a group, focusing on each separate item or person rather than the group as a whole.

Understanding distributive adjectives can be useful when you want to talk about how something is shared or distributed among different individuals or members of a group. They help to convey the sense of individuality and emphasize that something is happening separately to each element within a group.

The Function of Distributive Adjectives

The main function of distributive adjectives is to describe or point out individual members or parts of a group. They help us focus on each individual element within a larger group or set.

Here are a few key functions of distributive adjectives:

1. Emphasizing individuality: Distributive adjectives highlight that each member of a group is treated separately or individually. They help us understand that something is happening to each item or person one by one.

2. Describing distribution: Distributive adjectives convey how something is distributed or shared among the members of a group. They indicate that each member receives or possesses something individually.

3. Clarifying ownership: Distributive adjectives can be used to indicate individual ownership or possession within a group. They help specify that each member of the group has their own separate item or property.

4. Comparing individuals: Distributive adjectives allow us to compare individuals within a group by emphasizing their individual characteristics or qualities.

Placement of Distributive Adjectives

Distributive adjectives are usually placed before the noun they modify. They directly precede the noun and provide information about the individual members or parts of a group.

Here are some examples that demonstrate the placement of distributive adjectives:

Each student received a book.

In this sentence, “each” is the distributive adjective that describes the individual students. It is placed before the noun “student.”

Every house on the street has a garden.

Here, “every” is the distributive adjective that describes the individual houses. It comes before the noun “house.”

Both children finished their homework.

In this example, “both” is the distributive adjective that emphasizes the two individual children. It precedes the noun “children.”

Every student must bring their own supplies.

“Every” is the distributive adjective describing each individual student. It is placed before the noun “student.”

Each flower in the garden is beautiful.

Here, “each” is the distributive adjective that focuses on the individual flowers. It comes before the noun “flower.”

List of some distributive adjectives

Here’s a list of some common distributive adjectives:

• Each
• Every
• Either
• Neither
• Both
• Any
• All
• Some

Exercises to Practice Using Distributive Adjectives

Exercise 1: Complete the sentences by choosing the appropriate distributive adjective from the given list (each, every, either, both, any).

1. ______ student received a certificate for their outstanding performance.
2. We can go to ______ restaurant you prefer for dinner.
3. ______ of the two options is suitable for me.
4. ______ child should be treated with kindness and respect.
5. I will visit you ______ day next week.

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences by using a distributive adjective to emphasize the individual members or parts of the group.

1. Students received a textbook.

Each __________ received a textbook.

2. All the cookies were eaten by the children.

_________ child ate a cookie.

3. The books can be borrowed by anyone.

_________ person can borrow the books.

4. Both options are viable.

_________ of the options are viable.

5. The team members presented their ideas.

_________ team member presented their idea.

Answers

Exercise 1:

1. Each student received a certificate for their outstanding performance.
2. We can go to either restaurant you prefer for dinner.
3. Every one of the two options is suitable for me.
4. Every child should be treated with kindness and respect.
5. I will visit you each day next week.

Exercise 2:

1. Each student received a textbook.
2. Every child ate a cookie.
3. Any person can borrow the books.
4. Both of the options are viable.
5. Each team member presented their idea.

Also read:

• Qualitative Adjectives
• Numeral Adjective
• Quantitative Adjective
• Descriptive Adjective
• Linking Verbs
• Interrogative Adjective
• Demonstrative Adjective
• Possessive Adjective
• Comparative Adjectives
• Superlative Adjectives
• Compound Adjectives
• Participial Adjective
• Proper Adjective