This lesson helps us understand what a distributive pronoun is, how it is used, and when to use it in a sentence.
What is a distributive pronoun in English?
A distributive pronoun refers to the members of a group separately. It distributes the verb amongst the group of people or things it refers to.
In other words, the impact of its verb is shared by more than one member of the group without them being definite. Distributive pronouns are nothing but indefinite pronouns as they don’t make the targeted nouns specific.
Either, neither, and each are the distributive pronouns in English.
| Pronouns | Meaning |
| Each | every part/member of the group |
| Either | any one of the two items of a group |
| Neither | not any member of a group of two members |
Examples:
- There were 10 players on the team, and each was committed to the goal of the team.
- My brother has a couple of sports cars. Each of them costs over a million dollars.
- I offered him tea and coffee. He didn’t take either.
- We presented two different papers on the subject, and neither was selected by the department.
- He’s got two offers on the table. I would be extremely happy to take either.
- Does either of you know where he lives?
- We bought two books the other day. Neither was worth reading.
‘EACH‘
- It refers to all the members of a group distinctively.
- When used as a subject, it takes a singular verb.
Examples:
- I taught more than a hundred students last year. Each performed extremely well in their exams.
- The game has 6 characters. Each has different powers and weaknesses.
- I have watched three movies this month; each has an amazing story.
- Each of us wanted to be there when you got married, but we were locked up in a made-up case.
- We consulted more than 10 doctors for the stomach issue Riya has been going through. Each had a different reason for the issue.
‘EITHER’
- It means ‘any one item/member out of a group of two’.
- When used as a subject, it takes a singular verb.
Examples:
- They need a bowler for the next match, and you two have been performing well. Either of you can be selected.
- I have got two bikes that are not in use. You can take either.
- Tea or coffee? I am fine with either.
- Either of you will be selected for the next round.
- Either of his last two videos can be used for this test.
‘NEITHER’
- It means ‘not any of the items/members of a group of two’.
- When used as a subject, it takes a singular verb.
Examples:
- I gave him two offers. Neither excited him.
- Neither of you two fits the description.
- I called Jon and Anik for the party. Neither was there in the city and could make it.
- I have two cars, but neither is as fast as the one you drive.
- He got an offer letter from IBM and ITC, but he is taking neither.
Important points to note
1) A prepositional phrase can be used after a distributive pronoun to give information about the members of the group the distributive pronoun refers to.
- Each of us has our own house to live in.
- He does not want to work with either of you.
- Neither of the projects looks promising.
2) Don’t confuse a distributive pronoun with a distributive adjective.
The words each, either, and neither can function as both a pronoun and an adjective. When these words function as an adjective, they take a noun right after them and are called distributive adjectives.
- The guy at the shop showed me three laptops from different companies. Each had amazing features. (distributive pronoun)
- The guy at the shop showed me three laptops from different companies. Each laptop had amazing features. (distributive adjective)
- Jon Campell and Tom Brooks have challenged Jon Jones to a fight. According to their fighting styles, neither can beat Jon. (distributive pronoun)
- Jon Campell and Tom Brooks have challenged Jon Jones to a fight. According to their fighting styles, neither fighter can beat Jon. (distributive pronoun)
3) Distributive pronouns are also called indefinite pronouns as they don’t specify the noun/s they refer to.
4) ‘Either’ and ‘neither’ refer to a group of two.
5) Distributive pronouns are considered singular and take a singular verb.
FAQs
State few distributive pronouns.
Each, either, and neither are the distributive pronouns in English. They refer to the members of a group separately
What is an example of distributive in a sentence?
I have two extra cars. You can borrow either for the trip. In the example, the word ‘either’ is a distributive pronoun. It means ‘one out of two options’.
Is a distributive pronoun singular or plural?
Distributive pronouns are considered singular and take a singular verb when working as a subject. Ex – Each of these books has amazing lessons to teach.
Now, we know everything about distributive pronouns. Feel free to share your question, doubt, or feedback in the comment section, and also, share the post with the people that need it.
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