What is Distributive Pronoun: Definition, Examples and Practice Exercise

A Distributive Pronoun is a type of pronoun used to refer to members of a group individually, rather than collectively. It emphasizes that the members are taken one at a time, rather than as a whole.They are always singular and take singular verbs. For instance, ‘Each student has a unique perspective.’ Here, each refers to every individual in a group separately. To learn more about distributive pronouns, examples, and their types, keep reading.

What is Distributive Pronoun?

Distributive pronouns are used to refer to people or things in a group, but one at a time. They do not talk about the group as a whole. Instead, they focus on individual members separately. These pronouns are used to show that an action or situation applies to each person or thing individually.

For example, instead of saying the students received awards, a distributive pronoun helps to say each student received an award. This makes it clear that every student got an award, one by one.

Explore: Reflexive Pronoun Exercise (Class 3 to 8) with PDF

Types of Distributive Pronouns

Distributive pronouns help us talk about people or things separately and not as a group. Based on the use of the ‘Distributive Pronoun’, they can be divided into two types:

1. Singular Distributive Pronouns

Singular distributive pronouns are used when we talk about one person or thing at a time, even if we are referring to a group. These pronouns are always used with singular verbs.

Common singular distributive pronouns:

• Each
• Every
• Either
• Neither

Examples:

1. Each of the contestants will receive a prize.

2. Every child should bring their own lunch.

4. Either she will come or I will go.

3. Neither option is suitable for this situation.

2. Plural Distributive Pronouns

Plural distributive pronouns are used when we are talking about two or more people or things together, but still giving attention to them individually.

Common plural distributive pronouns are as follows:

• Both
• Neither (when used with plural nouns or pronouns)

Examples:

1. Both teams played exceptionally well.

2. Neither of the books has been returned to the library.

Use of Distributive Pronouns in English Grammar

Now that we have learnt the definition of distributive pronoun and its types, let us learn how to use it in sentences.

Distributive Pronoun	How to Use	Example Sentence
Each	1.  Each is used to refer to every person or thing in a group, one at a time. It applies to both small and large groups of people or things. 2. Can be used before a singular noun to show individual attention to one item or person.	1. The judges interviewed each contestant. 2. Each day brings new opportunities.
Every	1. Every talk about all members of a group, thinking about them one at a time. Further, it is used when the group has three or more members. 2. Always followed by a singular noun and cannot be used with ‘of’.	Every book in the library has a unique identification number.
Either	1. Either is used when we need to choose between two people or things. Among the two, only one option can be selected. 2. Either can also be used with ‘of’ followed by a plural noun or pronoun when referring to two people.	1. You can choose either a presentation or a written report. 2. Either of them is capable of leading the team.
Neither	1. Neither is used to say that not one and not the other of two things or people is true or chosen.2. Can be used with ‘of’ followed by a plural noun or pronoun to talk about two people or things.	1. Neither explanation seemed satisfactory.2. Neither of the twins enjoys spicy food.
Both	1. Both refer to two people or things together, indicating that the action applies to both.2. It is used with ‘of’ followed by a plural noun or pronoun to emphasise both options.	1. Both students passed the exam.2. Both of the answers are correct.
None	1. None indicates that no person or thing from a group is involved or true.2. It can be used with ‘of’ followed by a plural noun or pronoun to show that not one person or thing from a group is true.	1. None of the options is suitable for the job.2. None of the students attended the meeting.
Any	1. Used to refer to one or more people or things from a group, typically in a general or uncertain way.2. Any is often used in questions, negative sentences, or when making offers or requests.	1. Are there any books left on the shelf?2. I don’t have any more pencils.
All	1. All referes to the entire group of people or things.2. It can be used with both singular and plural nouns to refer to the totality of something.	1. All students must submit their assignments.2. All of the questions were difficult.
Some	1. Some refer to an unspecified number of people or things from a group. 2. Often is used in statements or when referring to a portion of a larger group.	1. Some students are absent today. 2. I have some work to finish.
Few	1. Few is used to refer to a small number of people or things. 2. Few implies that the quantity is small but not zero.	1. Few students understood the lesson. 2. Few of the books were missing.
More	1. More refer to an additional number or amount of something from a group. 2. It can be used in both singular and plural contexts to indicate a larger quantity.	1. More students are expected to arrive soon. 2. I need more time to finish the work.

Check out: Possessive Pronouns Exercises with Answers

10 Examples of Distributive Pronouns

Here are 10 examples of distributive pronouns in sentences:

1. Each of the players received a medal for their performance.

2. Every child in the class enjoyed the field trip.

3. Either of the two books is acceptable for the assignment.

4. Neither of the options seems to be the right one.

5. Both of the cakes were delicious.

6. None of the students passed the final exam.

7. Any of these shirts would look great on you.

8. All of the students participated in the event.

9. Some of the cookies are for the guests, and some are for us.

10. Few of the answers were correct in the quiz.

Distributive Pronoun Practice Exercise

Solve the following Distributive Pronoun Practice Exercise to understand the concept better.

Part A: Fill in the blanks with appropriate distributive pronouns (each, either, neither, any)

1. ________ of the twins wanted to admit they were wrong.

2. You can choose ________ of the two routes; they both lead to the same place.

3. ________ student must complete their own assignment.

4. ________ of the available options would work well for our project.

5. The teacher handed out a worksheet to ________ student in the class.

Answers:

1. Neither

2. Either

3. Each

4. Any

5. Each

Part B: Identify the distributive pronoun in each sentence

1. Neither of the contestants won the grand prize.

2. Each has their own responsibilities in this project.

3. You may take either of the remaining seats.

4. Any of these methods would solve the problem effectively.

5. The coach gave each player specific feedback.

Answers:

1. Neither

2. Each

3. Either

4. Any

5. Each

Part C: Correct the errors in the following sentences

1. Either of the three candidates are qualified for the position.

2. Neither John nor Mary were able to attend the meeting.

3. Each of the students have completed their assignments.

4. Either of these options work well for our needs.

5. Neither of the explanations make sense to me.

Answers:

1. Either of the three candidates is qualified for the position.

2. Neither John nor Mary was able to attend the meeting.

3. Each of the students has completed their assignment.

4. Either of these options works well for our needs.

5. Neither of the explanations makes sense to me.

Distributive pronouns are important for referring to individual members within a group. By using pronouns like each, every, either, and neither, you can convey specific actions, choices, or qualities that apply separately to individuals or items.

Explore other topics on Pronouns from the table below:

What are Pronouns?	Personal Pronoun Exercises
What are Emphatic Pronouns?	Relative Pronoun Exercises
What is Demonstrative Pronoun?	Pronoun Exercises

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