What is the definition of distributive pronouns?
Distributive pronouns refer to the members of a group one at a time rather than all together. The main distributive pronouns are each, either, and neither, and they take singular verbs.
In this guide, you will find the definition, a simple list, the rules for each word, examples, common mistakes, and a short exercise with answers. If you are new to the topic, start with our guide to parts of speech.
What Are Distributive Pronouns?
A distributive pronoun picks out individual people or things from a group and talks about them one by one. It does not treat the group as a single block.
- Each of the students has a pen. (every student is considered separately)
- Either of the two routes is fine. (one route or the other)
- Neither of the drivers was late. (not one and not the other)
List of Distributive Pronouns.
| Pronoun | Meaning | Refers to | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Each | every one, taken separately | two or more | singular | Each of the players has a number. |
| Either | one or the other | exactly two | singular | Either of the doors is open. |
| Neither | not one and not the other | exactly two | singular | Neither of the answers is correct. |
Each.
Each refers to the members of a group individually. It can be used for two people or things or for many.
- Each of the students has a pen and a book.
- Each of the groups should arrive on time.
- Each of them can perform well.
- Each has the right to speak.
- I spoke to each of them in person.
Either.
Either means one of two. It takes a singular verb.
- Either of the players is welcome to join.
- Either of them can swim.
- You can take either of the two roads.
- I think either of the men would be a loyal friend.
- Either Kamran or John will do the task. (either … or joins two choices)
Neither.
Neither means not one and not the other of two. It also takes a singular verb.
- Neither of them is young.
- Neither of the men could win.
- She thinks neither of the candidates is loyal.
- I chose neither of them.
- Neither Kamran nor John will come. (neither … nor joins two negatives)
Note: In casual speech, many people use a plural verb after “neither of” (Neither of them are ready). In formal writing, and in exams, use the singular verb: Neither of them is ready.
Distributive Pronouns vs. Distributive Adjectives.
The same words can work as pronouns or as adjectives (also called determiners). A pronoun stands in for a noun. An adjective sits in front of a noun and describes it.
| Word | As a pronoun | As an adjective |
|---|---|---|
| Each | Each of the boys has a ticket. | Each boy has a ticket. |
| Either | Either of the shirts looks good. | Either shirt looks good. |
| Neither | Neither of the cars was new. | Neither car was new. |
Every is a distributive adjective only. It must be followed by a noun, so we say every student but not every of the students. Use each of in that case.
Each vs. every
- Each stresses individuals, usually in a small, definite group: Each of the three judges gave a score.
- Every stresses the whole group, usually a larger one: Every student in the school wears a uniform.
Distributive vs. Indefinite Pronouns.
Words such as any, none, no one, everyone and somebody are usually classed as indefinite pronouns. They are often confused with distributive pronouns because they also appear in “of” phrases.
- Any of the students can come forward. (any: one from a group of more than two)
- None of the cars is new. (none: not one from a group, singular in formal usage)
- No one is serious about the calls. (no one: nobody at all)
What about “both”? Both refers to two people or things together, and it takes a plural verb (Both of them are here). Because it treats the pair as a unit, most grammar sources do not count it as distributive.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Each of the students have a book. | Each of the students has a book. | Each is singular. |
| Either of the three cars is fine. | Any of the three cars is fine. | Either is for exactly two. |
| Neither of the boys were late. | Neither of the boys was late. | Use a singular verb in formal writing. |
| Every of the players won. | Every player won. / Each of the players won. | Every cannot be followed by “of”. |
| Neither John nor Kamran are coming. | Neither John nor Kamran is coming. | With two singular subjects, the verb stays singular. |
More Example Sentences.
- Either of the players is ill.
- Neither of the players can take part.
- Each of them can contribute.
- Each has the right to play.
- I saw each of them playing well.
- Neither teacher could find the mistake.
- Each of the groups could come on stage.
- Either of the two candidates will win the election.
Practice Exercise.
Choose the correct word or verb form.
- Each of the students (has/have) finished the test.
- (Either / Any) of the two roads leads to the city.
- Neither of the answers (is/are) correct.
- (Each / Every) student in the hall stood up.
- Either Kamran or Ali (is/are) going to speak.
- I have two pens, and (neither / none) of them works.
Answers: 1. has 2. Either 3. is 4. Every 5. is 6. neither.
Frequently Asked Questions.
They are pronouns that refer to the members of a group individually instead of collectively. The main ones are each, either, and neither.
They are singular and take singular verbs. We say “Each of them has a book,” not “Each of them have a book.”
Either means one or the other of two. Neither means not one and not the other. Both refer to exactly two people or things.
Usually not. Both treats two things together and takes a plural verb, so most sources classify it separately from each, either, and neither.
Distributive pronouns single out members of a group one by one. Indefinite pronouns such as anyone, nobody, and something refer to unspecified people or things.
