Distributive Adjectives Guide: Definition, Rules & Examples

What Are Distributive Adjectives?

To begin with, a distributive adjective stands as one of the essential English language components that are used to make alterations in a noun. In simple terms, the definition of distributive adjective is “Adjectives demoting a singular number of a noun or pronoun among many”.

To help you better acknowledge the concept of distributive adjectives in English, below is a curated list of examples. So, step forward and read!

1. Each one of the team members has won a prize.
2. Every person in the family has fallen sick.
3. Either of the dresses is jaw-dropping, but I will wear the lavender one.

List of Distributive Adjectives with Examples

Below is a simplified list containing types of distributive adjectives with examples, which are commonly used in day-to-day chit chat.

Besides, there are typically five types of such adjectives but understand that there are a few others that fall into this category. Let’s read about all of them one by one!

The last three categories of distributive adjective are not considered, and the first five are taken into account. However, all these are common distributives in the English language, which you get to use in daily conversation.

Functions of Distributive Adjectives

As you are now familiar with the meaning and types of distributive adjectives, let us understand their functions. But before, you have to make it clear that, distributive adjectives in English are determined to carry on effective communication. Now, below is a list of functions that you must not ignore.

1. Indicate the inclusion or exclusion of something in / from a group.
2. Create a sensible distribution.
3. Emphasise individuality.
4. Making things clear and precise.
5. Determining come with a specific meaning.

It does not end at knowing a few common distributive adjectives and learning their types. Besides, it is really important to master grammar rules for their proper application. So, let’s delve into the same in the following section.

Grammar Rules of Distributive Adjectives

Before knowing ways to use a distributive adjective in a sentence, you must learn the distributive adjective rules of grammar. It consists: -

1. Always change singular nouns.
2. Use it only to determine individuals in a group.
3. Use for positioning something in a sentence.
4. Be clear about ‘each’ and ‘every’.
5. Remember that ‘either’ and ‘neither’ are different.
6. Use ‘any’ to reflect on indefinite choices.

How to Use Distributive Adjectives in A Sentence with Examples

Before hopping onto worksheets for testing your understanding, let’s learn about ways in which you can use distributive adjective in a sentence followed by examples. Read on to unlock how.

1. You can use it to refer to one or more things or people in a group.

For example: -

Has any student brought a science book?

Any mistake in assignments will not be accepted.

2. You can use it to determine the individualism of a group.

For Example: -

Each member of the team received a prize.

This costs us INR 1000 each.

3. You can use it to pinpoint two things or individuals.

For example: -

Neither of us is allowed to go out at night.

Either a pink or blue dress is perfect for tonight.

So, this is all about its usage with a few examples of distributive adjectives in everyday sentences. Moving forward, solve the distributive adjective worksheet given below with answers to train your mind better.

Distributive Adjectives Practice Worksheet with Answers

Here stands to be practice worksheets given below with answers that will help you understand your weak areas and offer relevant time for improvement.

Worksheet 1

Fill in the blanks with suitable distributive adjective for the following:

1. They are planning to buy _______ SUV or Jeep.

2. _____ student work hard to secure good grades.

3. They ate _______ ice cream kept in the tin.

4. _____ student presented their presentation.

5. _____ person must be treated with respect and care.

6. ______ of the two options are suitable for them.

7. Isha is planning to go to _____ restaurant of her choice.

8. Shivam will meet me ______ day.

9. I ______love both pizza and pasta from this restaurant.

10. ________ of them are going to the party.

Answers of the distributive adjective for the above given worksheet.

• 1. Either
• 2. Each
• 3. All
• 4. Each
• 5. Every
• 6. None
• 7. Any
• 8. One
• 9. Neither
• 10. Both

Worksheet 2

Rewrite each sentence using a suitable distributive adjective, such as every, each, neither, either, any, etc.

1. All of the students submitted their assignments.

2. Both shirts are good; you can pick one.

3. None of the two answers is right.

4. All the children were given a toy.

5. One of the two doors leads to the treasure.

6. No books on that shelf are helpful.

7. All team members were praised.

8. You may select one book from the shelf.

9. All flowers in the garden are blooming.

10. No option between the two is acceptable.

Answers of the distributive adjective for the above-given worksheet.

• Each student submitted their assignment.
• You can pick either shirt.
• Neither answer is right.
• Every child was given a toy.
• Either door leads to the treasure.
• Neither book on that shelf is helpful. (Assuming only two books.)
• Each team member was praised.
• You may select any book from the shelf.
• Every flower in the garden is blooming.
• Neither option is acceptable.

Conclusion

So, to wrap up, you must understand that “distributive adjective” stands as a simple yet tricky tool to boost clarity while interacting. Moreover, they are bound to focus on reflecting individual members within a group, and mastering grammar rules and ways to use them within a sentence is effective for expressing ideas. In this blog, you looked into its meaning, types, examples, functions, and a few worksheets indicating productive practice.

Besides, if you are looking for more such blogs on various grammatical components, such as a verb, explore our blogs section and have valuable English language learning!

FAQS

1. Which distributive adjective pairs plural nouns?

Ans. When you use “either”, “neither”, and “each”, with “of”, they can be paired with plural nouns or pronouns. For example: -

• Each of them is reading.
• Either of these books is readable.
• Neither of my parents was around.

2. Why do distributive adjectives take a singular noun?

Ans. Distributive adjectives take a singular noun because they are concerned with pointing out individuals from a group as a whole. Examples of such distributors include each, every, either, neither, and more.

3. What are some common examples of distributive adjectives?

Ans. Some of the most common distributive adjectives are as follows: -

• Each
• Every
• Either
• Neither
• Both
• Any
• All
• Half
• None

4. What’s the difference between “each” and “every”? Explain with examples.

Ans. Although both, “each” and “every” are distributive, they serve distinct purposes. “Each” focuses on “individual items”, and “every” focuses on all things as a group. Example: -

• Each - Each one of us is happy.
• Every - Every person is happy here.

5. How are distributive adjectives different from indefinite adjectives?

Ans. Even though both distributive and indefinite adjectives are concerned with modifying nouns and pronouns, one refers to individualise members of a group, whereas the other is related to indicating a quantity of a noun or pronoun, which is not specific.