Distributive adjectives are words that single out the individual members of a group and come before a singular noun. The main distributive adjectives are each, every, either, and neither, as in each student, every house, either road, and neither answer.
This guide gives you the definition, a quick list, the rules for each word, examples, common mistakes, and a practice exercise with answers. It is the companion to our guide on distributive pronouns, because the same words can work either way.
What Are Distributive Adjectives?
An adjective describes or limits a noun. A distributive adjective limits a noun by pointing at the members of a group one at a time instead of all together.
- Each student received a certificate. (the students are counted one by one)
- Every house on the street has a garden. (all of them, without exception)
- You can take either road. (one road or the other)
- Neither answer is correct. (not the first and not the second)
Compare every child with the children. The first looks at each child in turn, and the second treats the children as one group. This is the idea behind the word “distributive”.
List of Distributive Adjectives.
| Adjective | Meaning | Used for | Noun after it | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each | every one, taken separately | two or more | singular | Each candidate gave a speech. |
| Every | all, without exception | three or more | singular | Every passenger needs a ticket. |
| Either | one or the other | exactly two | singular | Either seat is free. |
| Neither | not one and not the other | exactly two | singular | Neither option is cheap. |
What about “any” and “both”? Some sources also list any and both. Any is more often grouped with indefinite words. Both is the odd one out because it takes a plural noun (both hands). The four words in the table are the core list that grammar guides agree on.
Each.
Use each to talk about the members of a group individually. It works for two items or for many, and it usually suggests a small, definite group.
- Each child has a different drawing.
- Each team will play twice.
- Each room in the hotel has a balcony.
- She gave each guest a small gift.
Every.
Use every to mean all the members of a group, seen one by one. It suggests a larger or more general group, and it must always be followed by a noun.
- Every student in the hall stood up.
- Every country has its own traditions.
- He checks his email every morning.
- Every driver must carry a license.
Either.
Either, as an adjective, means one or the other of two. It is followed by a singular noun.
- You can sit on either side of the table.
- Either bus will take you to the station.
- I do not like either shirt.
- Either answer is acceptable.
Neither.
Neither as an adjective means not one and not the other of two. The noun that follows is singular, and so is the verb.
- Neither team scored in the first half.
- Neither car was new.
- Neither suggestion solves the problem.
- Neither teacher could find the mistake.
Where Do Distributive Adjectives Go in a Sentence?
They come directly before the noun they limit, in the same position as other adjectives such as this, my, or three.
Pattern: distributive adjective + singular noun + singular verb
- Every book was sold.
- Neither player is injured.
Distributive Adjective vs. Distributive Pronoun.
The same words are adjectives when a noun follows them and pronouns when they stand alone or are followed by “of”. An adjective sits in front of a noun. A pronoun replaces the noun.
| Word | As an adjective | As a pronoun |
|---|---|---|
| Each | Each boy has a ticket. | Each of the boys has a ticket. |
| Either | Either shirt looks good. | Either of the shirts looks good. |
| Neither | Neither car was new. | Neither of the cars was new. |
| Every | Every player won a medal. | No pronoun use. Say “each of the players” instead. |
For the pronoun side in detail, read distributive pronouns: definition, types, and examples.
Each vs. Every
| Each | Every | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | individual members | the whole group |
| Group size | two or more, often small | three or more, often large |
| Can be a pronoun? | Yes: Each of them smiled. | No: Every of them is wrong. |
| Example | Each of the three judges gave a score. | Every judge in the competition gave a score. |
Either vs. Neither
Both words are for exactly two things. Either says that one of the two is fine or possible. Neither says that none of the two is.
- Either plan works. (Plan A or plan B)
- Neither plan works. (not A and not B)
For three or more things, use any or none instead: Any of the three plans works.
Common Mistakes.
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Each student has a book. | Each student has a book. | The noun after each is singular. |
| Every student is present. | Every student is present. | Singular noun, singular verb. |
| Either of the three roads is open. | Any of the three roads is open. | Either is for exactly two. |
| Neither car was new. | Neither car was new. | Singular noun, singular verb. |
| Every of the players won. | Every player won. / Each of the players won. | Every cannot be followed by “of”. |
More Example Sentences.
- Each member of the club pays a small fee.
- Every morning, she walks to the park.
- Either parent can sign the form.
- Neither door was locked.
- Each answer carries two marks.
- Every candidate must bring an ID card.
- I have not read either book.
- Neither side wanted to give in.
Practice Exercise.
Choose the correct word or form.
- (Each / Every) of the two bags is heavy.
- (Every / Either) student in the school has a uniform.
- Neither (answer/answers) is correct.
- Each (player/players) has a number on the shirt.
- I will take (either/any) of the two seats.
- Every child (needs/need) love and care.
Answers: 1. Each (every cannot be followed by “of”) 2. Every 3. answer 4. player 5. either 6. needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are distributive adjectives?
They are adjectives that refer to the members of a group one at a time. The main ones are each, every, either, and neither.
Is a singular or plural noun used after a distributive adjective?
A singular noun is used, and the verb is singular too. We say “Each student has a book,” not “Each students have a book.”
What is the difference between each and every?
Each stresses individual members, usually of a small group. Every stresses the whole group, usually a larger one. Each can also stand alone as a pronoun, but every cannot.
What is the difference between distributive adjectives and distributive pronouns?
An adjective comes before a noun (each boy). A pronoun replaces the noun (each of the boys, or just each).
Is “both” a distributive adjective?
Some lists include it, but it differs from the others because it takes a plural noun (both hands). Most grammar guides keep the core list to each, every, either, and neither.
