Language is a powerful tool that allows us to convey our thoughts, ideas, and emotions with precision. But within a vast landscape of grammar and vocabulary, distributive pronouns are a unique and often overlooked trait.
Words like ‘еach,’ ‘еithеr,’ ‘nеithеr,’ and ‘both’ may seem small, but they carry the extraordinary power to transform our communication, emphasizing the individuality or collaborative nature of the elements within a group. In this blog, we embark on an exciting journey to unravel the world of distributive pronouns and how they are used with suitable examples.
Distributive Pronoun
A pronoun is one of the parts of speech which are used to replace nouns in order to avoid the repetition of the words. Pronouns are classified into many types. Distributive Pronouns are one of the most important pronouns which refer to the members of a particular group in a separate manner. These are very imperative topics for the aspirants and questions are generally asked on this topic
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Distributive Pronouns
Distributive pronouns are among the types of pronouns which is used to refer to more than one noun separately but not in a particular group or party. They are used in place of Nouns or noun phrases. The distributive pronouns cover each, either, and neither.
A distributive pronoun mainly refers to a pronoun that shows members of a group or individuals separately, rather than as a whole. These pronouns emphasize the distribution of items or people in a group.
Definition of Distributive Pronoun
Distributive Pronouns are used to mention the persons or things one or single at a particular time rather taking them in a group. They generally takes singular verb with them .
Example of Distributive Pronoun
There are many distributive pronouns like either, each, neither, everyone, none, no one, others, etc.
1. Neither solution is up to the mark
- Here neither is a distributive Pronoun which refers to the single solution
2. Either of them ought to be there
- Either is the distributive Pronoun used for two persons or things which talk about a single person at one time
3. Everyone on the committee agreed to the voting.
- Everyone is the distributive Pronoun which talks about each person separately in the whole committee
Types of Pronoun
- Singular Distributive Pronouns – Singular distributive pronouns refer to individuals or things one at a time. The most commonly used singular distributive pronoun is “each.” For Example –
- Each of the contestants will receive a prize.
- Every child should bring their own lunch.
- Neither option is suitable for this situation.
- Plural Distributive Pronouns – Plural distributive pronouns refer to multiple individuals or things at once. The two primary plural distributive pronouns are “both” and “neither.” For Example –
- Both teams played exceptionally well.
- Neither of the books has been returned to the library.
How to use Distributive Pronoun
As we all know pronouns take the place of Noun to avoid repetitions. A distributive Pronoun is sued when we have to refer to a single person or items individually from the whole group or committee or party. For example
1. Each can have the ticket from the counter
- Each is used to symbolize every person in the group which is used in place of a Noun
2. None will have to work hard to get the award
- None is used for defining a person from a category which is used instead of a Noun
Use of Either
Either is one of the pronouns which is used for two persons or things. It takes plural noun because of two things and singular verb as we refer to one at a time
- Either of the answers are correct
- You may borrow either of these novels
- We have fewer reports to be analyzed. It’s either she or he has to show them.
Use of Every
Every is used to define each one from a whole defined category. It takes singular nouns and singular verb
- Everyone loves to have fast food but it deteriorates their health.
- Everyone has to attend the seminar.
Use of Each
Each is used to define one from a limited group it takes a singular verb. It is used for two or more than two items or persons.
- Each of you is ready to get married.
- Each of the aspirants aspires to his goal.
Use of Neither
Neither is a pronoun used for two things or persons, it is used as a pronoun to replace the noun. It takes a singular verb with it
- Neither of your outfits is ready.
- Neither agreement was to be approved by the boss.
- Neither of them speaks fluent French
When to use Distributive Pronoun
A distributive Pronoun is used to define or point out a single person or thing from the whole category separately. Whenever we denote a one from the two or all we use these pronouns for example
1. None of you seem to be correct
- None is used to point even a single person from two or more than two.
Distributive Pronouns vs Adjective
Distributive Pronouns are used to replace the nouns or used as a noun or any object while Distributive adjectives are used to qualify nouns.
Some of the words are very common in both but they have a different verb and plays the different role
1. Each laptop has to be repaired ( adjective )
- Here each is an adjective used to qualify laptop
2. Each of the members of the party needs to be welcomed. ( Pronoun )
- Here each is used to define a single person at a single time
3. I want every person to attend the conference ( adjective )
- Here every is used as an adjective to qualify a person
4. Either of them start a new business.
- Either is a pronoun here
Distributive Pronoun – Practice Questions
1. ……….. way will lead to the success
( Each, either, other, neither )
Answer: Either used for one from two
2. ………. Students brought their tiffins
( Each, either, neither, other )
Answer: other which takes a plural noun and students is a plural noun
3. She can purchase ………… of these two trousers.
( Each, either, none, other )
Answer: either is used for two things or persons
4. She handles her ………….business.
( Each, neither, none, others)
Answer: each business
FAQs on Distributive Pronouns
Q1. What is a Distributive Pronoun?
A distributive Pronoun is one which is used in place of a Noun referring to one person at one time by taking a singular verb with them.
Q2. What is the difference between each and every
Each is used as an adjective and pronoun both while every is used as an adjective only
1. Every doctor should follow the guidelines
- Here every is an adjective used to qualify doctor.
2. Each of the doctors needs to follow the guidelines
- Here each is used as a pronoun used to refer to a single person from a group of two or more than two.
3. Each doctor needs to follow the guidelines
- Here each is an adjective used to qualify doctor
- Every is used in broader terms while each is used for a limited group
Q3. Write the uses of Either or Neither
Either and neither can be used as a pronoun that refers for two specific times using the same noun .Either is used for the positive sense whole neither is used for the negative one. If we have to say only one is fine from two we use either and if we have to refer both are not fine we use neither instead of using both and not together to make the English simpler. Examples –
1. Either of the devices is perfectly fine
Here either is used to denote one device from the two
2. Neither of the devices is perfectly fine
Here neither is used to denote that both the devices are not perfectly fine
Q4. Justify ” Distributive Pronouns are always Singular and thus take a Singular Verb and Singular Possessive Pronoun but they take Plural Noun.
Distributive Pronouns are the one which takes plural noun but singular verb except none which takes plural noun and plural verb For Example –
Each is used to define one from two or more than two persons it means persons are two or more than two so takes plural noun but we have to define one at a single time so takes singular verb
1. Each of the balls is to be thrown
Either and neither is used for two persons or things but refers a single one at one time
So takes plural noun and singular verb
2. Either of the two batsman is injured
3. Neither of the two teams has joined the alumni;
Conclusion
After reading this article, we hope that you understand that distributive pronouns play a crucial role in our language by helping us relate to individuals or things in a collaborative manner. Now, by making use of distributive pronouns, you can add clarity and precision to your writing and speech, making your communication more effective and engaging.
So, remember to keep these handy pronouns in mind as you navigate the intricacies of language and enjoy the newfound pleasure they provide in your experience.