Distributive Pronouns: A Simple Guide

What is the distributive pronoun?

These are used to refer to members of a group individually rather than collectively. They emphasize that something is true for each person or thing in the group, one at a time.

List of Distributive Pronouns

Examples in Sentences

• Each:
  • Each student in the class received a certificate.
  • Each of the cookies tastes delicious.
• Either:
  • You can choose either the red shirt or the blue one.
  • Either of the roads will take you to the city.
• Neither:
  • Neither of the options is correct.
  • Neither John nor Sarah knew the answer.

How to Use Distributive Pronouns in Sentences

• Each:
  • Used when referring to all members of a group individually.
  • Example: “Each of the players has a unique skill.” (Here, “Each” refers to every player separately.)
• Either:
  • Used when referring to one of two choices.
  • Example: “Either of the books can be borrowed.” (Here, “Either” refers to one of the two books.)
• Neither:
  • Used when referring to not one and not the other of two choices.
  • Example: “Neither of the solutions is acceptable.” (Here, “Neither” means that both solutions are not acceptable.)

Types of Distributive Pronouns

• Singular Distributive Pronouns:
  • Refers to members of a group one at a time. The pronouns “Each,” “Either,” and “Neither” are singular and take a singular verb.
  • Example: “Each of the books is on the shelf.”
• Dual Distributive Pronouns:
  • Refers to one or the other of two options.
  • Example: “Either of the twins is available.”
• Negative Distributive Pronouns:
  • Used when none of the options apply.
  • Example: “Neither of the statements is true.”

Uses of Distributive Pronoun

• Each:
  • Use “Each” when you want to highlight the individuality of every member of a group.
  • Example: “Each person in the room is wearing a mask.”
• Either:
  • Use “Either” when you want to indicate that only one of two options is possible.
  • Example: “Either you apologize, or you face the consequences.”
• Neither:
  • Use “Neither” when you want to indicate that none of the two options are true or acceptable.
  • Example: “Neither of them knew the way to the station.”

Read More about “Demonstrative Pronouns”

Summary

It like “Each,” “Either,” and “Neither” help us refer to members of a group individually, one at a time, or indicate choices between two options. They play a crucial role in making sure our sentences are clear and specific when talking about individuals or choices.

FAQs for the D.P

What are distributive pronouns?

These are pronouns that refer to members of a group individually rather than collectively. They include words like “Each,” “Either,” and “Neither.”

What is the definition of distributive pronouns?

It’s emphasized that something is true for every individual in a group, one at a time, instead of treating the group as a whole.

What are some examples of distributive pronouns in sentences?

Examples include:

• “Each student received a book.”
• “You can choose either the red pen or the blue pen.”
• “Neither answer was correct.”

What are the types of distributive pronouns?

The main types are:

• Singular D. P (e.g., “Each”)
• Dual D .P (e.g., “Either”)
• Negative D .P (e.g., “Neither”)

How do you use distributive pronouns in sentences?

• Use “Each” when referring to every member of a group individually.
• Use “Either” when referring to one of two options.
• Use “Neither” when indicating that neither of the two options is valid.

What are the most common distributive pronouns?

The most common these are “Each,” “Either,” and “Neither.”

Can distributive pronouns be used with plural verbs?

No, These are typically used with singular verbs because they refer to members of a group individually.

Why is understanding distributive pronouns important?

Understanding it helps in creating clear, specific sentences where individual members of a group or specific choices are emphasized.

What is the difference between ‘Either’ and ‘Neither’?

• “Either” refers to one of two options.
• “Neither” refers to not one or the other of the two options.

Can ‘Each’ be used with plural nouns?

Yes, “Each” can be used with plural nouns but the verb that follows is singular, e.g., “Each of the books is interesting.”

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