Distributive Pronoun: Definition, Examples, Uses, and Worksheet

What is Distributive pronouns?

­A distributive pronoun is part of the fundamental of English grammar known as a pronoun. This part of the pronoun is used to refer to more than one individual or thing of a group. Furthermore, these distributives enable you to discuss specific individuals within any group. Read on the distributive pronoun definition and examples for better understanding.

Definition of Distributive Pronoun

According to the Dictionary of Oxford, the term distributive pronoun is defined as the “pronouns like “each”, “every”, “either”, and “neither” that refer to members of a group separately rather than collectively.

These pronouns are used to emphasize separate members in the group, unlike other pronouns such as personal pronouns or reflexive pronouns. In addition, these members are always considered grammatically as singular, although when mentioning a group of things or people. Now, see the example of distributive pronoun given below to understand what they mean and how you can use them.

Examples of Distributive Pronouns

You can see neither, each, everyone, no one or either in the basic distributive pronoun list. Below is a more precise explanation of these examples with distributive pronoun sentences.

1. Each of the employees must attend the meeting.
2. Either of the two possibilities is suitable.
3. Every member has to attend the wedding.
4. Anyone can visit the park.
5. Some of the students failed the test.

In the above sentences, the distributive pronouns are used to refer to the individual member of the group. However, you should know that there are different types of distributive pronouns used to refer to single and multiple members of a group. Hence, below is detailed information about its types; check it out.

Types of Distributive Pronouns

Having come across the above details, you must have understood that there are different types of distributive pronouns. Thus, instead of using any new words of grammar, you can use them to refer to singular or plural members. These pronouns are singular and plural distributive pronouns. Read below to find out how both types differ from each other.

1. Singular Distributive Pronouns

These pronouns are used to treat each person in a group as an individual, although there are many people in the group. These pronouns are usually followed by a singular verb with a possessive pronoun.

For instance: “Each employee in the office received a reward.”

2. Plural Distributive Pronouns

These pronouns are used to denote all members or a pair within a group, emphasising the entire group. The plural distributive pronouns are followed by plural nouns. In addition, these pronouns require a singular verb to maintain the singular feature of the pronoun’s emphasis.

For example: “Both of the students won the prize.”

Also read: Emphatic Pronoun

How to use Distributive Pronouns?

Firstly, you should know that pronouns are used to replace a noun to avoid repetitions. However, the distributive pronouns don’t take the place of a single noun, and they are used to denote individual members. Below are the basic rules that help you understand how to use the distributive pronouns.

1. Each

This distributive pronoun is used when two or more people or things from any group are included within a sentence. Moreover, it is used when referring to a small group with a few members. Such as:

• Each gift is handmade.
• Each student received an appreciation letter.
• Each member of the team was awarded a medal.

2. Either

Now, this distributive pronoun helps you to refer to one of two individuals. Additionally, it is essential to use singular verbs when using either. For example:

• You can either wear black or blue jeans under the top.
• Either of the two dresses can be taken, kindly pick one which you like.
• Either of the two ways will take you to the mall.

3. Every

When you need to mention a group of things or people altogether, then you can make use of “every” distributive pronoun. It is generally used to refer to a group with an indefinite number of members. Such as:

• Every employee in the office attended the meeting.
• Every flat in this building has a small garden.
• Every single girl of them was invited to the party.

4. Neither

The “neither” distributive pronoun is used to refer to people of a pair individually, which indicates when neither of the individuals is doing something. Additionally, you should use singular verbs while using neither. For example:

• Neither of the two alternatives is satisfactory.
• Neither of you will be allowed to leave the house.
• Neither Joy nor Sophia went to the school.

Now that you have learned about the distributive pronoun, let’s understand the difference between distributive pronoun and distributive adjective. It is crucial to clear this doubt because it is one of the common confusion that students often struggle with.

Also Read: Relative Pronoun 

Difference Between Distributive Pronoun and Distributive Adjectives

Both distributive adjectives and pronouns are used to refer to the group members separately, but both play different grammatical roles. The distributive adjectives are placed before a noun to change it, whereas the distributive pronoun can be used alone as the object or subject of a sentence.

See the table below to learn about the key difference between distributive pronouns and distributive adjectives.

By now you have learned all the key aspects and rules of using the distributive pronoun, examine your knowledge by solving the distributive pronoun worksheet given below.

Distributive Pronouns Worksheet

Now that you have understood the usage of distributive pronouns let’s check your understanding by solving the exercises. Below are two exercises that you need to solve by reading the instructions.

Exercise 1

Fill in the blank with the appropriate distributive pronoun: (each, either, every or neither).

1. __________ student in the class must submit the task by Sunday.
2. I have two pencils. You can take __________ one.
3. __________ of the questions was correct.
4. __________ of the girls has a different talent.
5. He watches the sunrise __________ morning.
6. You can sit on __________ side of the bench.
7. __________ of the twins is going to abroad next month.
8. __________ of the players performed well in the match.
9. The professor gave __________ child a label.
10. __________ of my parents knows how to play the guitar.

Answers:

1. Each student in the class must submit the task by Monday.
2. I have two pencils. You can take either one.
3. Neither of the questions was correct.
4. Each of the girls has a different talent.
5. He watches the sunrise every morning.
6. You can sit on either side of the bench.
7. Each of the twins is going abroad next month.
8. Neither of the players performed well in the match.
9. The professor gave each child a label.
10. Neither of my parents knows how to play the guitar.

Exercise 2

Rewrite the given sentences using an appropriate distributive pronoun.

1. All students must bring their own lunch.
2. Both choices are not good.
3. All of the pastries were covered separately.
4. I can take one of the two bananas.
5. All mornings he goes for a walk.
6. None of the ways leads to the city centre.
7. All of the girls received an award.
8. The twins have dissimilar interests.
9. All applicants must pass the admission exam.
10. Both of my sisters don’t like hockey.

Answers:

1. Each student must bring their own lunch.
2. Neither choice is good.
3. Each of the pastries was covered separately.
4. I can take either of the two bananas.
5. He goes for a walk every morning.
6. Neither of the ways leads to the city centre.
7. Each of the girls received an award.
8. Each of the twins has a dissimilar interest.
9. Every applicant must pass the admission exam.
10. Neither of my sisters likes hockey.

Conclusion

Summing up, learning the English language involves a lot of struggle and practice to master the correct usage of English grammar. Also, you need to understand the basic rules of using adjectives and pronouns. Hence, this blog included details of using distributive pronoun to help you frame correct grammatical sentences.

However, even after reading the rules and examples, if you face issues with using these pronouns, then connect with our experts at Gradding.com. They will provide expert guidance to enhance your English skills. Connect Now!

FAQ’s

1. What is a distributive pronoun and example?

When a pronoun is used to mention more than a single thing or individual, even if not collectively but separately, then it is known as a distributive pronoun. A few examples of distributive pronouns are:

• Neither
• Either
• Every
• Each

2. Is “all” a distributive pronoun?

Yes, “all” is considered a distributive pronoun, specifically when denoting an entire group or members of a group as separate individuals. For example: All the students participated in the event.

3. Are there any other distributive pronouns besides “neither”, “either”, and “each”?

Yes, the other distributive pronouns are everybody, everyone, both, no one all and none.

4. What is the difference between distributive pronouns and distributive adjectives?

The distributive pronoun and adjective are both used to refer to individual persons within a group, but they have different functions. Distributive adjectives are used to modify nouns, whereas distributive pronouns are used to replace nouns and can act as objects or subjects.

5. What are some examples of distributive pronouns in sentences?

Here are a few sentences that include distributive pronouns:

• Some of the guests danced in the party.
• A few of the questions were unanswered.
• Any of the dresses can be done for the party.
• Every member of the group contributed to the success.
• Both parents love their children.