A distributive pronoun is a type of pronoun that refers to individual members or parts of a group separately, rather than collectively. It helps us talk about things or people one by one, emphasizing the individuality or distribution of the items or individuals within a group.
List of Distributive pronouns
Here is a list of common distributive pronouns:
- Each
- Every
- Either
- Neither
These are the primary distributive pronouns that are commonly used in English. Each of these pronouns emphasizes the individuality or distribution of items or individuals within a group.
Purpose of a Distributive Pronoun
The purpose of distributive pronouns is to talk about individual members or parts of a group separately, rather than as a whole. They help us emphasize the individuality or distribution of items or individuals within a group.
Usage of Distributive Pronouns
Here is the detailed usage:
1. Each
The word “each” refers to every individual item or person in a group separately. It emphasizes the idea that each member is considered individually rather than collectively.
Usage of “Each”:
a. Referring to individuals in a group:
Example: Each student must submit their own project.
Explanation: In this sentence, “each” is used to indicate that every student is required to submit their project separately. It highlights the individual responsibility of each student.
b. Indicating distribution:
Example: The teacher distributed one worksheet to each student.
Explanation: Here, “each” emphasizes the distribution of one worksheet to every student separately. It highlights that each student received their own worksheet.
c. Talking about characteristics or actions:
Example: Each flower in the garden is unique.
Explanation: In this sentence, “each” emphasizes the individuality of every flower. It suggests that each flower has its own distinct characteristics.
d. Expressing agreement or consent:
Example: Each team member agreed to the proposal.
Explanation: Here, “each” indicates that every team member individually agreed to the proposal. It emphasizes the unanimous consent of each member.
2. Every
The word “every” refers to all the members of a group individually, emphasizing the inclusiveness of each member. It indicates that each item or person in the group is considered separately.
Usage of “Every”:
a. Talking about a general truth or statement:
Example: Every cat loves to play with yarn.
Explanation: Here, “every” suggests that all cats, individually, have a tendency to enjoy playing with yarn. It emphasizes a general characteristic shared by each member of the group.
b. Referring to repeated actions:
Example: She goes for a walk every morning.
Explanation: In this sentence, “every” indicates that she goes for a walk individually, separately, and consistently every morning. It highlights the regularity of the action.
c. Indicating frequency:
Example: I visit my grandparents every summer.
Explanation: Here, “every” suggests that the speaker visits their grandparents individually and separately, specifically during each summer. It emphasizes the frequency of the visits.
d. Referring to the entirety of a group:
Example: Every student in the class is required to read the assigned book.
Explanation: In this sentence, “every” indicates that each and every student in the class, individually, is expected to read the assigned book. It emphasizes the inclusiveness of the entire group.
3. Either
The word “either” is used when two options or choices are available, and you want to refer to each option separately. It emphasizes the idea of selecting one option individually.
Usage of “Either”:
a. Presenting a choice between two options:
Example: You can either watch a movie or read a book.
Explanation: In this sentence, “either” suggests that there are two options available for the person to choose from. It emphasizes the individuality of each option and indicates that the person can select one of the two.
b. Indicating one of two possibilities:
Example: We can meet either today or tomorrow.
Explanation: Here, “either” highlights that there are two possible options for the meeting, either today or tomorrow. It emphasizes the idea that the meeting can take place on one of these two separate days.
c. Expressing a preference or decision:
Example: Either way, I’m happy with the outcome.
Explanation: In this example, “either” suggests that regardless of which option is chosen or what the outcome is, the speaker will be content. It emphasizes the speaker’s flexibility and lack of preference between the two possibilities.
d. Indicating a limited set of options:
Example: You can take either the blue or the red pen.
Explanation: Here, “either” emphasizes that the person can choose one of the two available options, the blue pen or the red pen. It highlights the individuality of each pen and indicates that only these two choices are available.
4. Neither
The word “neither” is used when none of the options or individuals in a group are applicable or desirable. It emphasizes the absence or exclusion of both options or individuals.
Usage of “Neither”:
a. Expressing the absence of two options:
Example: Neither option is suitable for me.
Explanation: In this sentence, “neither” suggests that both options are unsuitable or undesirable. It emphasizes the lack of suitability for either choice.
b. Indicating the absence of two individuals:
Example: Neither John nor Sarah attended the party.
Explanation: Here, “neither” highlights that both John and Sarah did not attend the party. It emphasizes the absence or non-participation of both individuals.
c. Referring to negative statements or outcomes:
Example: Neither candidate received enough votes to win.
Explanation: In this example, “neither” suggests that neither candidate achieved the required number of votes. It emphasizes the failure or lack of success for both candidates.
d. Expressing agreement or similarity:
Example: Neither of us has been to Europe before.
Explanation: Here, “neither” indicates that neither person in the conversation has had the experience of visiting Europe. It emphasizes the shared absence of this particular experience.
Examples of Distributive Pronouns
Here are some examples that illustrate the usage of the distributive pronoun:
1. Each
Each student received a certificate for their achievements.
Explanation: This sentence indicates that every student individually received a certificate. It emphasizes that each student was recognized separately for their achievements.
We gave each guest a small gift as a token of appreciation.
Explanation: Here, “each” highlights that every guest received a small gift individually. It emphasizes the distribution of gifts to each person as a gesture of gratitude.
Each piece of the puzzle fits perfectly into its place.
Explanation: In this example, “each” emphasizes that every individual piece of the puzzle fits precisely into its designated spot. It highlights the uniqueness and compatibility of each piece.
The teacher checked each student’s homework for accuracy.
Explanation: Here, “each” indicates that the teacher examined the homework of every student separately. It underscores the individual assessment of each student’s work.
Each member of the team has a specific role to play.
Explanation: This sentence suggests that every team member has their own designated role. It emphasizes the idea that each member contributes individually to the overall functioning of the team.
2. Every
Every student must bring their own supplies to class.
Explanation: This sentence emphasizes that each individual student is responsible for bringing their own supplies. It indicates that this requirement applies to all students without exception.
We have a test in every subject next week.
Explanation: Here, “every” suggests that there will be a test in each individual subject. It emphasizes that the upcoming tests encompass all subjects without leaving any out.
Every house on the street has a garden.
Explanation: In this example, “every” indicates that each individual house on the street has its own garden. It emphasizes that the presence of a garden is a common characteristic of all houses.
I wake up early every morning to exercise.
Explanation: Here, “every” highlights that the action of waking up early and exercising applies to each separate morning. It underscores the consistent and repeated nature of the activity.
The store offers a discount on every purchase this weekend.
Explanation: This sentence suggests that for every individual purchase made during the specified weekend, a discount is offered. It emphasizes the inclusiveness of the discount offer.
3. Either
You can either go to the park or stay at home.
Explanation: This sentence presents a choice between two options: going to the park or staying at home. It emphasizes that the person can select one of these options individually.
Either you finish your homework now, or you do it later.
Explanation: Here, “either” indicates that the person has a choice between two possibilities: completing the homework immediately or doing it at a later time. It emphasizes the individual decision-making process.
We can have either pizza or pasta for dinner.
Explanation: In this example, “either” highlights that the two available options for dinner are pizza or pasta. It suggests that one of these choices will be selected individually.
You can choose either a blue or a red shirt.
Explanation: Here, “either” emphasizes that the person can select one of the two options: the blue shirt or the red shirt. It highlights the individuality of each shirt and indicates that only these two choices are available.
Either we leave now, or we will be late for the movie.
Explanation: This sentence presents a situation where a decision must be made. “Either” suggests that the two possibilities are leaving immediately or risking being late for the movie. It emphasizes the need to choose one option individually.
4. Neither
Neither option is appealing to me.
Explanation: This sentence suggests that both options are unappealing or unsatisfactory. It emphasizes the lack of desirability for either choice.
Neither John nor Sarah could solve the math problem.
Explanation: Here, “neither” highlights that both John and Sarah were unable to solve the math problem. It emphasizes the lack of success or ability for both individuals.
Neither candidate received the majority of votes in the election.
Explanation: In this example, “neither” indicates that neither candidate obtained the required number of votes to secure a majority. It emphasizes the lack of success for both candidates.
Neither of us has visited Australia before.
Explanation: Here, “neither” suggests that neither person in the conversation has had the experience of visiting Australia. It emphasizes the shared absence of this particular experience.
Distributive pronouns exercises
Here are a few exercises related to distributive pronouns (each, every, either, neither) along with their answers:
Exercise 1:
Choose the correct distributive pronoun to complete each sentence: each, every, either, or neither.
- ______ student must bring a pen to class.
- We can meet ______ today or tomorrow.
- ______ of the options is suitable for me.
- ______ of the twins won the race.
- I can lend you ______ of my books.
Answer:
- Every
- Either
- Neither
- Each
- Either
Exercise 2:
Rewrite the following sentences using the appropriate distributive pronoun.
All the students must study for their exams individually.
Rewritten: ______ student must study for ______ exams individually.
Both Sarah and Tom attended the party.
Rewritten: ______ Sarah ______ Tom attended the party.
We can choose to go to the beach or stay at home.
Rewritten: We can ______ go to the beach ______ stay at home.
All the flowers in the garden are in bloom.
Rewritten: ______ flower in the garden is in bloom.
Answers:
- Each, their
- Neither, nor
- Either, or
- Every
Exercise 3:
Fill in the blank with the appropriate distributive pronoun.
- ______ of the candidates were qualified for the job.
- ______ student received a trophy for their achievements.
- I have ______ a red pen ______ a blue pen. You can borrow either.
Answers:
- Neither
- Each
- Either, or
Frequently Asked Questions on Distributive Pronouns
Distributive pronouns are words used to refer to individual members of a group separately. They emphasize the individuality or distribution of items or people within the group. Examples include “each,” “every,” “either,” and “neither.”
“Each” and “every” are both used to refer to individual members of a group, but there is a subtle difference. “Each” emphasizes the individuality and distinctness of the members, while “every” emphasizes inclusiveness and applies to all members as a whole. Choose “each” when focusing on the individual, and use “every” when emphasizing the group as a whole.
No, “either” is specifically used when there are two options or choices available. It indicates the selection of one option from the pair. If there are more than two options, you would typically use a different construction, such as “any” or “some.”
“Neither” is used to indicate the absence or exclusion of both options or individuals in a pair. It emphasizes the lack of suitability, non-participation, or similarity between the two.
Yes, distributive pronouns can be used with both singular and plural nouns. For example, you can say “each student” or “each of the students.” Similarly, you can use “every student” or “every one of the students.” The choice depends on the context and the specific noun being referred to.
Also, read:
- Emphatic Pronoun
- Reciprocal Pronoun
- Indefinite Pronoun
- Relative Pronoun
- Interrogative Pronoun
- Demonstrative Pronoun
Some online resources:
- Distributive Pronouns सीखो || Spoken English – Sartaz Classe
- Distributive Pronoun |Distributive Pronoun Examples – Insightful Education
- Distributive Pronoun Examples and Their Correct Uses | Ifioque.com
- Distributive Pronoun | Definition Examples Rules | EGRAMMATICS
- English-Distributive Pronouns – Bank Exam – unacademy.com
