Distributive Pronoun

Distributive pronoun – Explanation

A distributive pronoun is a pronoun that describes members of a group separately and not collectively. It refers to a person or thing. So this pronoun is always singular, and we use it with a singular noun and verb. We use this pronoun to refer to each member of a particular group.

Each, every, either, neither, everyone, none, any, etc. are the most commonly used distributive pronouns.

Examples of distributive pronouns

Here are some examples of these pronouns. These are in bold letters.

Let’s have a look.

•    Each of the girls draws a picture.
•    She has given ten notebooks to each student.
•    Either of these has that information.
•    You can sit on either side of the window.
•    She may either agree to work for that company or reject the offer.
•    Neither of the newspapers is in English.

In the above sentences,

• Each denotes every one of the things or persons.
• Either and neither are used to denote only two things or persons.
• Any, none, or no one is used to denote more than two things or persons.

Distributive pronoun with a plural noun and singular verb

We use either of, neither of and each of with a plural noun and a singular verb. Here are some sentences with these pronouns.

Have a look.

• Each of the articles is informative. (Don’t use ‘article’)
• Either of you can discuss this matter with the authority.
• Neither of the children can stand still for ten minutes. (Don’t use ‘child’)
• Each of the students can participate in the dance competition.
• Either of you is not perfect for this job.
• Neither of them could solve that algebraic sum.
• Each of you has to attend the extra class.
• Neither of the pens is useful.
• Any of them can attend the meeting.
• None of the committee members agreed to increase the building maintenance.
• Neither of them supported him in dancing in a reality show.
• Every one of you is brilliant, according to the principal.
• Each one of you will be permitted to attend the class.
• Everyone who participated in the drama should recite their dialogues.